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S61.231A
ICD-10-CM
Left Middle Finger Laceration

Find information on left middle finger laceration diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 codes (S61), CPT codes for repair (e.g., 12001-12057), and appropriate medical billing guidelines. Learn about wound care, treatment options, and potential complications for accurate healthcare coding and optimal patient care. Explore resources for proper medical record documentation and coding related to left middle finger lacerations.

Also known as

Laceration of left middle finger
Cut on left middle finger

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S61.231A Coding
S21.0XXA-S21.0XXD

Open wound finger without damage nail

Laceration of left middle finger without nail involvement.

S21.1XXA-S21.1XXD

Open wound finger with damage nail

Laceration of left middle finger with nail involvement.

S20.0XXA-S20.0XXD

Open wound wrist hand and finger

Unspecified open wound of the left hand, including possible finger laceration.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the laceration open?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Left Middle Finger Laceration
Left Middle Finger Open Wound
Left Middle Finger Tendon Injury

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document laceration location, size, and depth in mm.
  • Describe wound characteristics: clean, contaminated, etc.
  • Note any associated injuries: tendon/nerve involvement.
  • Record treatment: wound closure method, dressings used.
  • ICD-10 code: S61.322A Left middle finger laceration without foreign body

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Fingertip vs. Finger Laceration

    Incorrect coding if the laceration involves the fingertip, requiring specific S-codes like S21.111A instead of general finger laceration codes.

  • Depth and Repair Documentation

    Missing documentation of laceration depth (e.g., full thickness, subcutaneous) and repair type (e.g., sutures, staples) can impact code selection.

  • Laterality and Dominant Hand

    Lack of clear documentation of left vs. right and dominant hand status can lead to inaccurate coding and potential billing errors, impacting reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document wound depth, length, & tissue involvement for accurate ICD-10 coding (S21.1).
  • Precise location & mechanism of injury crucial for optimal E/M coding & CDI.
  • Photo document laceration for compliance & improved claim submission.
  • Assess & document neurovascular status distal to injury for complete care.
  • Consider tetanus status & administer prophylaxis if needed, documenting in record.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm left middle finger injury visually.
  • Document laceration depth, length, and tissue involvement.
  • Assess neurovascular status distal to laceration.
  • Check tetanus immunization status.
  • Consider X-ray if fracture suspected based on mechanism.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Left Middle Finger Laceration reimbursement depends on repair complexity, CPT code selection (e.g., 12001-12057), and payer contracts. Accurate coding maximizes payment.
  • Quality metrics impacted: Surgical site infection rate (SSI), unplanned return to OR, pain management effectiveness. Accurate documentation crucial for reporting.
  • Coding errors (e.g., unspecified vs. complex repair) can lead to claim denials, reduced reimbursement, and skewed hospital quality data.
  • Proper documentation of wound length, depth, and repair technique ensures appropriate CPT code selection, impacting RVUs and overall revenue.

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
  • Code finger laceration depth
  • Document wound length, repair type
  • Check laterality: Left middle
  • AddICD10 S21.122A, S21.122D
  • Consider external cause code

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a laceration to the left middle finger.  The patient reports an injury mechanism of [insert mechanism of injury, e.g., accidental knife cut while preparing food, sharp object injury].  Time of injury is estimated to be approximately [insert time of injury].  The location of the laceration is on the [insert location, e.g., volar aspect, dorsal aspect, distal phalanx] of the left middle finger.  The wound measures [insert length] cm in length and [insert depth] cm in depth.  Wound edges appear [insert description, e.g., sharp, jagged, well-approximated].  There is [insert amount] bleeding noted.  Neurovascular assessment of the left middle finger reveals [insert findings, e.g., intact sensation and capillary refill, diminished sensation to tip, absent distal pulse].  Tendon function appears [insert findings, e.g., intact, impaired].  The wound was cleansed with [insert cleansing solution] and irrigated with normal saline.  [Insert details regarding wound closure, e.g., The wound was closed with [number] [type] sutures.  Steri-strips were applied.  Wound left open to heal by secondary intention].  A sterile dressing was applied.  Patient tolerated the procedure well.  The patient was instructed on wound care, signs of infection, and follow-up.  Patient education provided regarding proper hand hygiene, pain management, and activity modification.  The patient understands the instructions and verbalized understanding.  Diagnosis: Left middle finger laceration.  Aftercare instructions provided.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [duration] days.  Possible complications discussed, including infection, delayed wound healing, and nerve damage.  Medical coding considered includes ICD-10 code [insert appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., S61.122A] for open wound of left middle finger.