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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS81.039

S81.039

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body, unspecified knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.039 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body, unspecified knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body in the knee is a type of injury characterized by a small, deep wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues. This injury can occur in various settings, including sports, accidents, or falls. The knee joint is complex, consisting of bones (femur, tibia, fibula), cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, making it susceptible to various injuries. A puncture wound may not always present with visible foreign bodies, but it can lead to complications such as infection, inflammation, or damage to surrounding structures. Clinicians must assess the extent of the injury, including potential involvement of ligaments or cartilage, and determine the appropriate treatment, which may include cleaning the wound, suturing, or further orthopedic intervention. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of knee injuries, particularly in cases where additional procedures, such as ligament repair or reconstruction, may be necessary.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of knee injuries.
  • Assessing the need for additional codes for associated injuries (e.g., ligament tears).
  • Understanding the implications of unspecified versus specified locations.
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to specify the location of the puncture wound.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment and outcomes.
  • Misclassification of the wound type (e.g., coding as a laceration).

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury, treatment plan, and any surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Puncture wounds from sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring orthopedic evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should include any imaging studies performed and the assessment of associated injuries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment notes, including vital signs, wound care provided, and any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from sharp objects, requiring urgent care.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the mechanism of injury is clearly documented to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.039 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S81
  • 039 should be used when a puncture wound is confirmed without the presence of a foreign body
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.039 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the puncture wound requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may need to document any additional procedures performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in tracking injury patterns and improving patient care outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in tracking injury patterns and improving patient care outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity helps in tracking injury patterns and improving patient care 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 is the difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a deep, narrow wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be irregular in shape and depth.