ICD-10 Coding for Laceration of Finger(S61.211A, S61.212A)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Laceration of Finger. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Laceration of Finger
S61.2Primary Range
Open wound of finger(s) without damage to nail
This range covers lacerations of the finger without nail involvement, which is the most common presentation.
Open wound of finger(s) with damage to nail
This range is used when the laceration involves damage to the nail, requiring different clinical management.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S61.211A | Laceration without foreign body of left index finger without damage to nail, initial encounter | Use for initial treatment of a laceration on the left index finger without nail damage. |
|
| S61.212A | Laceration with foreign body of left index finger with damage to nail, initial encounter | Use when the laceration involves a foreign body and nail damage. |
|
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 finger laceration
Essential facts and insights about Laceration of Finger
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for laceration of finger
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Active bleeding and fresh wound without nail damage
documentation Criteria
- Detailed wound description including laterality and absence of nail damage
Applicable To
- Initial treatment of a fresh laceration on the left index finger without nail damage
Excludes
- Laceration with foreign body (S61.221A)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Active bleeding
- Fresh wound
- First treatment encounter
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding nail involvement
- Missing laterality
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies laterality and absence of nail damage.
S61.212A - Laceration with foreign body of left index finger with damage to nail, initial encounter
Use when the laceration involves a foreign body and nail damage.
Applicable To
- Initial treatment of a laceration on the left index finger with nail damage
Excludes
- Laceration without foreign body (S61.211A)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of foreign body
- Nail damage
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies presence of foreign body and nail damage.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Retained glass fragments
Z18.01Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Laceration of Finger to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S61.211A.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incomplete treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always assess for foreign bodies, Document findings in the medical record
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect billing and potential denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify and document nail involvement clearly in the medical record.
Impact
Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Data Quality: Inaccurate data entry affecting clinical outcomes.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the affected finger and side in the documentation.
Impact
Failure to document nail involvement can lead to incorrect coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement a checklist for documenting all aspects of finger lacerations.
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 Laceration of Finger, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Laceration of Finger
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Laceration of Finger. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Initial Encounter for Finger Laceration
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Location and laterality of laceration
- Presence of foreign body
- Nail involvement
- Repair technique
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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