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ICD-10 Coding for Laceration(S31.614, S61.422A)

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

Also known as:

CutTearSlash

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Laceration

S01-S99Primary Range

Injuries to specific body parts

This range includes codes for lacerations across various body parts, detailing specifics like foreign body presence and penetration.

Retained foreign body

Used to indicate the presence of a retained foreign body post-laceration repair.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S31.614Laceration of abdominal wall, left lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavityUse when the laceration penetrates the peritoneal cavity.
  • Operative report confirming peritoneal penetration
  • Imaging showing pneumoperitoneum
S61.422ALaceration with foreign body of right hand, initial encounterUse for lacerations with embedded foreign bodies.
  • Clinical notes detailing foreign body presence
  • Radiographic evidence of foreign body

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 laceration with foreign body

Essential facts and insights about Laceration

The ICD-10 code for a laceration with a foreign body is S61.422A. Ensure documentation includes foreign body details.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for laceration

Laceration of abdominal wall, left lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Peritoneal penetration confirmed by imaging or surgery

Applicable To

  • Penetrating abdominal laceration

Excludes

  • Non-penetrating abdominal injuries

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Operative report confirming peritoneal penetration
  • Imaging showing pneumoperitoneum

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if penetration is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies penetration to use this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained foreign body

Z18.0
Use when a foreign body is retained post-repair.

Foreign body entering through skin

W45.8XXA
Use to specify the mechanism of injury.

Differential Codes

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

Laceration of abdominal wall without penetration

S31.114
Use when there is no penetration into the peritoneal cavity.

Laceration without foreign body of right hand, initial encounter

S61.412A
Use when no foreign body is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Laceration to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S31.614.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always check for and document foreign bodies, Use imaging if necessary

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect code selection, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Always document wound dimensions in centimeters.

Impact

Inaccurate or missing wound dimensions can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist for documenting wound details.

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

Documentation Templates for Laceration

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

Emergency Department Laceration Repair

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Wound location
  • Size in cm
  • Depth and layers involved
  • Foreign body presence
  • Repair method

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Lac repaired in ED
Good Documentation Example
4.2 cm stellate laceration left upper quadrant with 2 cm peritoneal penetration, no FB identified. Layered closure with 3-0 Vicryl deep layer, 4-0 nylon skin.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the wound and repair, supporting accurate coding.

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

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