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ICD-10 Coding for Finger Injury(S60.021A, S61.232A, S62.610B)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Finger Injury. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Digital TraumaFinger TraumaPhalangeal Injurydigital injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Finger Injury

S60-S69Primary Range

Injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers

This range includes all types of injuries specific to the fingers, such as contusions, lacerations, fractures, and dislocations.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S60.021AContusion of right index finger without damage to nailUse for initial encounter of a contusion on the right index finger without nail damage.
  • Physical exam showing bruising without nail involvement
S61.232ALaceration with foreign body of left ring finger without damage to nailUse for initial encounter of a laceration with foreign body in the left ring finger.
  • Wound examination showing foreign body presence
S62.610BDisplaced fracture of proximal phalanx of right index finger, initial encounter for closed fractureUse for initial encounter of a displaced fracture of the proximal phalanx of the right index finger.
  • X-ray confirming displaced fracture

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 injury

Essential facts and insights about Finger Injury

The ICD-10 code for a finger injury depends on the injury type, such as S60.021A for a contusion of the right index finger without nail damage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for finger injury

Contusion of right index finger without damage to nail
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Bruising without nail involvement

Applicable To

  • Bruise of right index finger

Excludes

  • Contusion with nail damage

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical exam showing bruising without nail involvement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes if laterality is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the absence of nail damage.

Ancillary Codes

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

Pain in right finger(s)

M79.644
Use if there is persistent pain after the initial injury treatment.

Encounter for other orthopedic aftercare

Z47.89
Use during follow-up visits after initial treatment.

Caught, crushed, jammed, or pinched between objects, initial encounter

W23.8XXA
Use to specify the external cause of the fracture.

Differential Codes

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

Contusion of right thumb with damage to nail

S60.111A
Presence of nail damage differentiates this code.

Laceration with tendon involvement of left ring finger

S61.234A
Tendon involvement requires different management and coding.

Displaced fracture of proximal phalanx of left index finger

S62.611B
Laterality differentiates this code.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Finger Injury to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S60.021A.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incomplete treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial.

Mitigation Strategy

Thorough wound examination, Detailed documentation of findings

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of medical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality and specific finger involved.

Impact

Use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of injury specifics.

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 Finger Injury, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Finger Injury

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Finger Injury. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit for Finger Laceration

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Size and depth of laceration
  • Presence of foreign body
  • Neurovascular status
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 3 cm laceration on the left ring finger, foreign body present. Neurovascular status intact. Plan: Remove foreign body, suture laceration.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Laceration on finger.
Good Documentation Example
3 cm laceration on left ring finger with foreign body, neurovascular status intact.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding and treatment.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Finger Injury? Ask your questions below.

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