ICD-10 Coding for Left Finger Injury(S61.121A, S64.491A)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Left Finger Injury. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Left Finger Injury
S60-S69Primary Range
Injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers
This range includes all types of injuries to the fingers, including open wounds, fractures, and nerve injuries.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| S61.121A | Laceration without foreign body of left index finger without damage to nail, initial encounter | Use for initial encounter of a laceration on the left index finger without foreign body. |
|
| S64.491A | Injury of digital nerve of left index finger | Use when there is a confirmed digital nerve injury in the left index finger. |
|
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 finger laceration
Essential facts and insights about Left Finger Injury
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for left finger injury
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of a laceration without foreign body on the left index finger
Applicable To
- Superficial laceration of left index finger
Excludes
- Laceration with foreign body (S61.122A)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented laceration on the left index finger
- No foreign body present
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality documentation
- Omitting depth of laceration
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies no foreign body and confirms laterality.
S64.491A - Injury of digital nerve of left index finger
Use when there is a confirmed digital nerve injury in the left index finger.
Applicable To
- Nerve injury of left index finger
Excludes
- Injury of digital nerve of other fingers
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Operative report confirming nerve injury
- Sensory deficit documented
Coding Notes
Ensure nerve injury is confirmed through clinical examination or operative findings.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Injury of digital nerve of left index finger
S64.491ADifferential 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 Finger Injury to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S61.121A.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit findings., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify 'left' or 'right' in injury documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to non-specific coding., Data Quality: Decreases data accuracy for injury tracking.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like S61.121A for lacerations.
Impact
Using unspecified codes increases audit risk.
Mitigation Strategy
Use the most specific code available.
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 Finger Injury, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Left Finger Injury
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Left Finger Injury. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Laceration
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Mechanism of injury
- Exact location and depth of laceration
- Presence of foreign body
- Nerve involvement
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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