ICD-10 Coding for Left Middle Finger Laceration(S61.213A, S61.313A)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Middle Finger Laceration. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Left Middle Finger Laceration
S61.2-S61.3Primary Range
Open wound of finger(s) without and with damage to nail
This range includes codes for lacerations of fingers, specifying whether there is nail damage or not.
Injury of intrinsic muscle and tendon at wrist and hand level
Relevant when there is tendon involvement in the laceration.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S61.213A | Laceration without foreign body of left middle finger without damage to nail, initial encounter | Use for initial encounter of a simple laceration on the left middle finger without foreign body or nail damage. |
|
| S61.313A | Laceration with nail damage of left middle finger, initial encounter | Use when the laceration involves 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 left middle finger laceration
Essential facts and insights about Left Middle Finger Laceration
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left middle finger laceration
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Absence of foreign body and nail damage
coding Criteria
- Initial encounter for left middle finger
Applicable To
- Simple laceration of left middle finger
Excludes
- Laceration with foreign body
- Laceration with tendon involvement
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented absence of foreign body
- No nail damage
- Initial encounter
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality
- Missing initial encounter designation
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies no foreign body and intact nail.
S61.313A - Laceration with nail damage of left middle finger, initial encounter
Use when the laceration involves nail damage.
Applicable To
- Laceration with nail bed injury
Excludes
- Laceration without nail damage
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented nail damage
- Initial encounter
Coding Notes
Ensure nail damage is clearly documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Injury of flexor tendon of left middle finger
S66.123ADifferential 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 Left Middle Finger Laceration to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S61.213A.
Impact
Clinical: Ambiguity in patient records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the side of the body affected
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential claim denials or reduced payments, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality and encounter type.
Impact
Using unspecified codes can lead to audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all codes specify laterality and encounter type.
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 Middle Finger Laceration, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Left Middle Finger Laceration
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Middle Finger Laceration. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Wound description
- Treatment provided
- Follow-up care
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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