ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.03

S81.03

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body of the knee is a specific type of injury characterized by a small, deep wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues around the knee joint. This injury can occur due to various incidents, including falls, accidents involving sharp tools, or sports injuries. Unlike lacerations, puncture wounds typically do not have a large opening and may not bleed profusely, but they can lead to significant complications such as infection, joint damage, or damage to surrounding ligaments and tendons. The knee is a complex joint composed of bones (femur, tibia, fibula), cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, making it susceptible to various injuries. Proper assessment and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications. Treatment may involve cleaning the wound, monitoring for signs of infection, and in some cases, surgical intervention if there is damage to deeper structures. Accurate coding of this injury is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of wounds.
  • Assessing the need for additional codes if there are associated injuries.
  • Understanding the implications of potential complications such as infections.
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the absence of foreign bodies.
  • Misclassification of the wound type.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated injuries.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the nature of the injury, treatment provided, and any surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Puncture wounds from sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries (e.g., ligament tears) are documented and coded appropriately.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, including vital signs, mechanism of injury, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from accidents or altercations.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's tetanus status and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S81
  • 03 should be used when documenting a puncture wound of the knee without a foreign body
  • It is essential to ensure that the documentation clearly states the absence of foreign bodies and any associated injuries
  • The code should not be used for open wounds with foreign bodies or other types of injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when a puncture wound requires suturing or closure.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the method of closure.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons may need to document any additional procedures performed.

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, knee joint

Clinical Scenario

When a puncture wound leads to joint effusion requiring aspiration.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and the amount of fluid removed.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should note the patient's response to the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like puncture wounds, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. S81.03 provides a clear distinction from other types of knee injuries, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like puncture wounds, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. S81.03 provides a clear distinction from other types of knee injuries, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S81.03 provides a clear distinction from other types of knee injuries, facilitating better patient management and tracking of outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I document to support the use of S81.03?

You should document the mechanism of injury, the absence of foreign bodies, the treatment provided, and any follow-up care. Clear notes on the nature of the wound and any associated injuries are also important.

Can I use S81.03 for a puncture wound that has become infected?

Yes, S81.03 can be used for a puncture wound that has become infected, but you should also consider coding for the infection if it is significant and requires treatment.