Find information on finger laceration diagnosis, treatment, and medical coding. Learn about proper clinical documentation for a cut on finger or finger wound. Explore healthcare resources related to finger lacerations, including wound care, suturing techniques, and aftercare instructions. This resource provides guidance on coding a finger laceration for accurate medical billing and documentation.
Also known as
Open wound of finger(s)
Cuts, lacerations, and open wounds of the finger(s).
Superficial injuries of fingers
Minor cuts and abrasions, blisters, and bruises of the finger(s).
Injuries to the wrist and hand
Encompasses various injuries like fractures, sprains, and open wounds to the wrist and hand.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the finger laceration open?
Yes
Involves tendon/nerve/vessel?
No
Consider other diagnoses such as contusion (S00. ) or superficial injury
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Finger cut or tear |
| Nail injury, finger |
| Fingertip amputation |
Coding F laceration lacks laterality (right/left) and finger specification (thumb, index, etc.) impacting reimbursement and data accuracy.
Documentation lacking depth (superficial, deep, etc.) of the finger laceration may lead to undercoding or overcoding for claim submission.
Unspecified repair type (sutures, adhesive) of the finger laceration could affect coding accuracy and appropriate payment.
Q: How can I differentiate between a finger laceration requiring simple wound care and one needing surgical intervention in a clinical setting?
A: Differentiating between a finger laceration suitable for simple wound care and one requiring surgical intervention involves a thorough assessment encompassing several key factors. Firstly, evaluate the depth of the laceration. Deep wounds penetrating tendons, ligaments, or bone necessitate surgical exploration and repair. Secondly, assess the extent of neurovascular compromise. Signs such as diminished sensation, absent or weak capillary refill, or active bleeding suggest potential nerve or vessel damage requiring surgical intervention. Thirdly, consider the wound's location. Lacerations involving the flexor surface of the finger, particularly near joints, often require surgical expertise due to the complex anatomy and potential for functional impairment. Finally, the presence of foreign bodies or significant contamination necessitates meticulous wound exploration and debridement, often best performed in a surgical setting. Explore how advanced wound closure techniques can minimize scarring and optimize functional outcomes in complex finger lacerations.
Q: What are the best practices for digital block anesthesia administration for finger laceration repair, considering patient comfort and procedural efficacy?
A: Administering a digital block effectively for finger laceration repair hinges on a few key principles. Utilize a small gauge needle (e.g., 27 or 30 gauge) and inject a local anesthetic such as lidocaine or bupivacaine slowly, with minimal pressure. Employing a volume of 2-4 mL per digit is generally sufficient. Target the nerves supplying the finger by injecting at the base of the finger on the dorsal aspect, just medial and lateral to the flexor tendon sheath. Aspirate before injecting to avoid intravascular injection. Consider using a buffered anesthetic or warming the solution to minimize injection discomfort. For enhanced patient comfort, topical anesthetics can be applied prior to the injection. Learn more about minimizing pain during local anesthetic injection techniques.
Patient presents with a finger laceration, consistent with a cut on finger or finger wound. The location of the laceration was documented, along with its depth and length. Assessment included evaluation for neurovascular compromise, tendon involvement, and foreign body presence. Wound characteristics such as clean, contaminated, or infected were noted. Treatment included thorough irrigation and debridement as appropriate. The wound was closed using sutures, Steri-Strips, or skin adhesive depending on the depth and location. A tetanus booster was administered if indicated based on patient immunization history. Patient education provided on wound care instructions, signs of infection, and follow-up care. ICD-10 code assignment for finger laceration will be determined based on the specific location and depth, considering factors such as open wound of finger, laceration repair, and digital nerve injury if applicable. CPT code selection for the procedure will reflect the complexity of the repair, including simple, intermediate, or complex closure, and the length of the laceration. Appropriate modifiers will be appended to the CPT code to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement. Follow-up appointment scheduled for wound check and suture removal if applicable.