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ICD-10 Coding for Avulsion of Toenail(S91.209A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Avulsion of Toenail. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Toenail RemovalNail Avulsion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Avulsion of Toenail

S90-S99Primary Range

Injuries to the ankle and foot

This range includes codes for injuries to the foot, including toenail avulsion.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for toenail avulsion

Essential facts and insights about Avulsion of Toenail

The ICD-10 code for a simple toenail avulsion without matrix destruction is S91.209A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for avulsion of toenail

Unspecified open wound of unspecified toe(s) without damage to nail, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of an open wound without nail damage

documentation Criteria

  • Initial encounter for the wound

Applicable To

  • Open wound of toe without nail damage

Excludes

  • Injury with nail damage

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of open wound without nail damage
  • Initial encounter for treatment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding when nail damage is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of nail damage.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Unspecified open wound of unspecified toe(s) without damage to nail, subsequent encounter

S91.209D
Use for follow-up visits after initial treatment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Avulsion of Toenail to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S91.209A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate pain management documentation., Regulatory: Potential for claim denial due to non-compliance., Financial: Loss of reimbursement for the procedure.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document anesthesia details in the procedure note., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use 11730 for simple avulsion procedures without matrix destruction.

Impact

Risk of audit if matrix destruction is not clearly documented when using 11750.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of matrix destruction techniques such as phenol application.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Avulsion of Toenail, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Avulsion of Toenail

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Avulsion of Toenail. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Toenail Avulsion Procedure

Specialty: Podiatry

Required Elements

  • Pre-op diagnosis
  • Anesthesia method
  • Procedure details
  • Post-op instructions

Example Documentation

PRE-OP DIAGNOSIS: Ingrown right hallux nail with cellulitis POST-OP DIAGNOSIS: Same PROCEDURE: - Digital block: 2 mL 1% lidocaine, no epinephrine - Sterile prep with chlorhexidine - Nail elevator used to separate lateral 25% nail plate from bed - Avulsed fragment removed intact with hemostat - Matrix preserved; no chemical ablation - Minimal bleeding controlled with pressure - Dressing: Xeroform + gauze POST-OP: Tolerated well, instructed on warm soaks BID

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Removed ingrown toenail.
Good Documentation Example
Avulsion of lateral 25% right hallux nail plate under digital block (2 mL 1% lidocaine) for recurrent paronychia with purulent drainage. Matrix preserved. Minimal bleeding controlled with silver nitrate. Dressing applied.
Explanation
The good example includes detailed procedure steps, anesthesia, and post-op care.

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