Hand Laceration ICD-10-CM Codes
Read this short guide and learn about hand laceration ICD codes you can use.
Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.
What hand laceration ICD codes can I use?
If you’re looking for hand laceration ICD codes, we’d like you to know that there are many of them, so we’ve picked six to serve as examples. Before introducing you to them, we’d like you to know that all the chosen examples have the initial encounter label. That label means that the patient is receiving active treatment for it.
ICD codes with such labels have two other variants: subsequent encounter and sequela. Those with the subsequent encounter labels are used when the patient is already in the recovery phase for whatever problem they’re dealing with and still being active/routine care for it.
Those with the sequela labels are used when the patient is dealing with the aftereffects of whatever problem they’re dealing with. Such codes must be accompanied by two other ICD-10 codes, one of which should designate the sequela’s nature, while the other should describe the sequela (meaning its effects).
Here are six examples of hand laceration-related ICD codes:
- S61.419A - Laceration without foreign body of unspecified hand, initial encounter
This ICD code is meant to be used on a patient confirmed to have a laceration on one of their hands, but for now, it’s not specified or identified if the laceration is on the right or left hand. Also, the laceration isn’t accompanied by a foreign body. Once the specific hand has been identified, it’s best to use Item 2 or 3.
- S61.411A - Laceration without foreign body of right hand, initial encounter
This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the laceration is on the right hand this time.
- S61.412A - Laceration without foreign body of left hand, initial encounter
This is the same as Item 1, but it’s confirmed that the laceration is on the left hand this time.
- S61.429A - Laceration with foreign body of unspecified hand, initial encounter
This is the same as Item 1, but this time, the laceration is accompanied by a foreign body.
- S61.421A - Laceration with foreign body of right hand, initial encounter
This is the same as Item 4, but it’s confirmed that the laceration and foreign body are on the right hand this time.
- S61.422A - Laceration with foreign body of left hand, initial encounter
This is the same as Item 4, but it’s confirmed that the laceration and foreign body are on the left hand this time.
Be reminded to use the subsequent encounter and sequela variants of these codes once they start their recovery phase or if they’re dealing with the aftereffects of their respective lacerations.
Are these hand laceration ICD codes billable?
Yes. All of the aforementioned hand laceration-related ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.
Clinical information about hand lacerations:
Cuts or tears in the skin are called lacerations. These are frequently brought on by trauma or by the use of sharp objects. Bleeding is a constant feature of lacerations; when the bleeding stops, the skin tear becomes apparent.
Both shallow and deep laceration types are possible. Shallow wounds can close and heal on their own after the bleeding has been stopped and the area has been cleaned. Deep lacerations, however, are an exception to this rule. These are more serious and need to be stitched shut, mainly if the tear is extensive enough to expose muscles and bones.
The lacerations in this mini-guide concern the hands. Because people tend to move their hands a lot throughout the day, deep lacerations should be stitched up as soon as possible because they might heal more slowly than lacerations on other body parts.
Synonyms include:
- Laceration of dorsum of hand
- Laceration of hand
- Laceration of hand without foreign body
- Laceration of the palm of the hand
- Laceration of the skin of the hand
- Laceration of the superficial palmar arch
- Laceration of hand with foreign body
Commonly asked questions
This means that there’s an object accompanying the laceration. This object is also what caused the laceration in the first place. An example would be a glass shard that gut stuck in the hand.
It depends on the laceration's depth, but it can take up to three months. Stitching the laceration up will speed up the healing process if the laceration is deep. It can reduce the healing process to two or almost two months.
A laceration is characterized by a horizontal cut or tear that seems irregular and jagged. A puncture wound is represented by an object piercing the body and creating a small hole (e.g., needles, nails, bullets).
