Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Left Hand Contusion(S60.222A, S60.222D, S60.222S)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Hand Contusion. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bruise on Left HandLeft Hand Bruising

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Left Hand Contusion

S60.2Primary Range

Contusion of hand and wrist

This range includes codes for contusions specifically affecting the hand and wrist, including the left hand.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S60.222AContusion of left hand, initial encounterUse for initial evaluation of a left hand contusion without finger involvement.
  • Documented ecchymosis or tenderness on the left hand
  • Negative imaging for fractures
S60.222DContusion of left hand, subsequent encounterUse for follow-up visits after the initial encounter for a left hand contusion.
  • Ongoing symptoms or treatment for a previously documented left hand contusion
S60.222SContusion of left hand, sequelaUse for long-term complications resulting from a left hand contusion.
  • Documented chronic issues or complications directly linked to a past left hand contusion

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 left hand contusion

Essential facts and insights about Left Hand Contusion

The ICD-10 code for a left hand contusion is S60.222A for the initial encounter. Use S60.222D for follow-ups and S60.222S for sequela.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left hand contusion

Contusion of left hand, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of ecchymosis or tenderness on the left hand

documentation Criteria

  • Negative imaging for fractures

Applicable To

  • Bruising of left hand

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented ecchymosis or tenderness on the left hand
  • Negative imaging for fractures

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding finger injuries as hand contusions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented and coded correctly.

Ancillary Codes

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

Struck against or bumped into object

W22.8XXA
Use to specify the external cause of the contusion.

Differential Codes

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

Contusion of finger(s)

S60.02x-
Use when the injury is distal to the MCP joints.

Contusion of wrist

S60.21x-
Use when the injury is proximal to the CMC joints.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Left Hand Contusion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S60.222A.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of the injury's cause., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring cause specification., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to incomplete coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include W-codes for trauma-related injuries.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or incorrect payments., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S60.0- or S60.1- for finger-specific injuries.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect billing leading to potential payment issues., Compliance: Violation of encounter-specific coding rules., Data Quality: Misleading encounter data in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use S60.222D for subsequent encounters.

Impact

Using the wrong 7th character for encounter type can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the encounter type and matches the code used.

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 Left Hand Contusion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Left Hand Contusion

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Hand Contusion. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial Evaluation of Left Hand Contusion

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Location and size of ecchymosis
  • Tenderness and swelling
  • Imaging results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3x2 cm ecchymosis on the dorsal left hand after striking a wall. Tenderness noted over the 3rd metacarpal. X-ray negative for fracture.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Left hand injury.
Good Documentation Example
3x2 cm ecchymosis on volar left hand after fall onto outstretched hand. X-ray negative for fracture.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the injury's size, location, mechanism, and imaging results, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Left Hand Contusion? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more