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ICD-10 Coding for Laceration of the Right Index Finger(S61.210A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Laceration of the Right Index Finger. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Cut on Right Index FingerRight Index Finger Wound

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Laceration of the Right Index Finger

S61.2Primary Range

Open wound of finger(s) without damage to nail

This range includes codes for lacerations of fingers, specifying laterality and presence of foreign bodies.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for laceration right index finger

Essential facts and insights about Laceration of the Right Index Finger

The ICD-10 code for a laceration of the right index finger without foreign body is S61.210A for the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for laceration right index finger

Laceration without foreign body of right index finger, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a superficial laceration without foreign body

documentation Criteria

  • Clear documentation of wound location and absence of foreign body

Applicable To

  • Superficial laceration of right index finger

Excludes

  • Laceration with foreign body
  • Laceration with nail damage

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Physical examination confirming superficial laceration
  • No foreign body present on imaging

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding for left finger
  • Missing documentation of laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented as right index finger to avoid coding errors.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained foreign body

Z18.-
Use if a foreign body is present in the wound.

Differential Codes

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

Laceration without foreign body of left index finger, initial encounter

S61.211A
Laterality must be confirmed as right index finger.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Laceration of the Right Index Finger to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S61.210A.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always measure and document wound length, Include wound details in the procedure note

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or incorrect payment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and statistics.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify and document the correct finger and side before coding.

Impact

Coding errors due to incorrect documentation of laterality.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement double-check procedures for laterality documentation.

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 the Right Index Finger, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Laceration of the Right Index Finger

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Laceration of the Right Index Finger. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit for Laceration

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Procedure details
  • Follow-up care instructions

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 2.5 cm laceration on the right index finger. Wound was cleaned and sutured with 4-0 nylon. No foreign body detected.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Laceration on finger sutured.
Good Documentation Example
2.5 cm laceration on right index finger, cleaned and sutured with 4-0 nylon. No foreign body present.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location, size, and treatment of the wound.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Laceration of the Right Index Finger? Ask your questions below.

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