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S61.220A
ICD-10-CM
Laceration of the Right Index Finger

Find information on right index finger laceration diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (S21.0), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare best practices for wound care. Learn about treatment options, aftercare instructions, and proper documentation for insurance reimbursement. Explore resources for physicians, coders, and other healthcare professionals regarding laceration repair, wound management, and finger injury coding.

Also known as

Cut on Right Index Finger
Right Index Finger Wound

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S61.220A Coding
S61

Open wound of finger(s)

Covers open wounds, including lacerations, of the finger(s).

S60-S69

Injuries to the wrist and hand

Includes various injuries like fractures, dislocations, and open wounds to the hand and wrist.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes

Encompasses a broad range of injuries, poisonings, and external cause-related conditions.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the laceration involving the nail?

  • Yes

    Is the nailbed involved?

  • No

    Which part of the finger?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Right index finger laceration
Right index finger avulsion
Open wound, right index finger

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document laceration location, depth, length in cm.
  • Describe wound characteristics (e.g., clean, jagged).
  • Neurovascular status of the right index finger.
  • Tendon involvement if present.
  • Treatment: Repair, dressing, antibiotics (if any).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding Error

    Incorrectly coding left instead of right finger or unspecified laterality, leading to inaccurate data and potential billing errors.

  • Depth Specificity Issue

    Lack of documentation clarifying laceration depth (e.g., skin, tendon involvement) impacting code selection and reimbursement.

  • Initial vs. Subsequent Repair

    Failure to distinguish between initial and subsequent repair of the laceration, affecting proper coding and payment for services.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document wound depth, location, and cause for accurate ICD-10 coding (S61).
  • Ensure CDI aligns documentation with laceration repair type for proper CPT coding.
  • Photo-document laceration for compliance and improved medical record quality.
  • Timely wound care reduces infection risk, improving patient outcomes and HCC coding.
  • Standardize laceration documentation for consistent coding and billing compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm documented location: right index finger
  • Verify depth and extent of laceration
  • Assess neurovascular status of finger
  • Rule out tendon/bone involvement
  • Document wound characteristics for coding (ICD-10 S61)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Reimbursement and quality metrics impact summary for Laceration of Right Index Finger
  • ICD-10: S61.111A, CPT: 12001 (simple), 12002 (intermediate), or 12004-12018 (complex), impacts:
  • Coding accuracy crucial for appropriate reimbursement.
  • Accurate documentation impacts severity level and justified charges.
  • Timely coding & billing improve revenue cycle, reduce A/R days.
  • Affects hospital laceration repair quality metrics and reporting.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • ICD-10 S61.111A Right index finger laceration
  • Document depth, location, repair type
  • Add laterality: 'right' is key
  • Check documentation for 'cut', 'tear'
  • Consider cause: glass, knife, etc.

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a laceration to the right index finger.  The patient reports an injury sustained while (mechanism of injury, e.g., cutting vegetables with a knife, working with machinery).  On examination, a (depth, e.g., superficial, deep) laceration is noted on the (location, e.g., volar aspect, distal phalanx) of the right index finger.  The wound measures approximately (length) cm in length.  (Describe wound characteristics, e.g., clean edges, jagged edges, presence of foreign body).  Bleeding was (minimal, moderate, profuse) and has been (controlled, continues).  Neurovascular assessment of the right index finger reveals (intact sensation and capillary refill, diminished sensation, absent sensation, etc.).  Tendons appear (intact, partially severed, severed) based on (describe assessment method, e.g., active range of motion, tendon testing).  Surrounding skin demonstrates (erythema, edema, ecchymosis).  The wound was cleansed with (cleansing solution) and irrigated with (irrigation solution).  Treatment included (suture repair with (suture type and size), wound closure with adhesive strips, application of dressing).  Tetanus status was updated.  Patient tolerated the procedure well.  Post-procedure instructions provided regarding wound care, signs of infection, pain management, and follow-up.  Diagnosis:  Laceration, right index finger.  ICD-10 code:  (appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., S61.111A - Open wound of right index finger, distal phalanx, initial encounter).  CPT code:  (appropriate CPT code depending on repair type and complexity, e.g., 12001 - Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and extremities including hands and feet; 1.1 cm or less).