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ICD-10 Coding for Cut with Knife(S61.431A, W26.0XXA)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cut with Knife. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Knife LacerationKnife Wound

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cut with Knife

S00-S99Primary Range

Injuries to specific body parts

This range includes codes for injuries such as lacerations and puncture wounds caused by knives.

W20-W49

Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

This range includes external cause codes for injuries due to contact with knives.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S61.431APuncture wound without foreign body of right hand, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of a puncture wound on the right hand caused by a knife.
  • Clinical examination confirming puncture wound
  • Documentation of initial encounter
W26.0XXAContact with knife, initial encounterUse for initial encounters involving accidental contact with a knife.
  • Documentation of knife as the cause
  • Initial encounter specified

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for cut with knife

Essential facts and insights about Cut with Knife

The ICD-10 code for a cut with a knife, initial encounter, is W26.0XXA. Use it with the specific injury code like S61.431A.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cut with knife

S61.431A
Puncture wound without foreign body of right hand, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a puncture wound without foreign body

documentation Criteria

  • Initial encounter documentation

Applicable To

  • Laceration of right hand

Excludes

  • Injury with foreign body (S61.432A)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical examination confirming puncture wound
  • Documentation of initial encounter

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure correct laterality is documented
  • Confirm no foreign body is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the encounter type and confirms no foreign body.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Contact with knife, initial encounter

W26.0XXA
Use to specify the external cause of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Puncture wound with foreign body of right hand, initial encounter

S61.432A
Presence of a foreign body confirmed by imaging.

Assault by sharp object

X99
Intentional harm confirmed by documentation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cut with Knife to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S61.431A.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 requirements., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the side of the body affected.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the correct 7th character is used for the encounter type.

Impact

Using the wrong external cause code can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the intent and cause of injury.

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 Cut with Knife, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cut with Knife

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cut with Knife. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department visit for knife laceration

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Location and size of wound
  • Cause of injury
  • Encounter type
  • Presence of foreign body

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3 cm laceration on the right forearm caused by a kitchen knife. Initial encounter. No foreign body detected.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cut on arm from knife.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm linear laceration on volar surface of right forearm caused by chef’s knife during food preparation, initial encounter.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on location, cause, and encounter type.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cut with Knife? Ask your questions below.

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