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 CodesS81.041

S81.041

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body, right knee

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.041 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body, right knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the right knee typically occurs when an object penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, potentially causing damage to the knee joint structures, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. This type of injury can result from various incidents, such as falls, accidents involving sharp objects, or sports injuries. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, inflammation, or further tissue damage if not properly addressed. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee. Diagnosis often involves a thorough physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess for associated injuries like fractures or ligament tears. Treatment may include wound care, removal of the foreign body, and possibly surgical intervention if there is significant damage to the knee structures. Rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function and strength to the knee post-injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates treatment and documentation.
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., fractures, ligament tears).
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment protocols.
  • Need for precise documentation to support coding and billing.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body and its removal.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., coding as a simple laceration).
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan and follow-up care.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the injury and any associated procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including vital signs, pain level, and immediate treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute puncture wounds presenting to the emergency department for evaluation and management.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any foreign bodies identified during initial assessment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.041 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S81
  • 041 should be used when a puncture wound with a foreign body is confirmed in the right knee
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis, including details about the foreign body and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.041 When
  • Exclusion criteria include injuries not involving a foreign body or those affecting other anatomical sites

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, knee joint

Clinical Scenario

Used when fluid is aspirated from the knee joint post-injury.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may perform this procedure to assess joint involvement.

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of the puncture wound if it requires suturing.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers often perform this 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, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds with foreign bodies. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid claim denials.

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 S81.041 and S81.040?

S81.041 indicates a puncture wound with a foreign body in the right knee, while S81.040 refers to a puncture wound in the right knee without a foreign body. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury and requires different management.