Laceration with foreign body of nose, subsequent encounter

This code describes an open wound of the nose, specifically a laceration, that also involves a foreign object embedded within the tissue. The "subsequent encounter" designation indicates that the patient is receiving follow-up care for this injury after the initial treatment phase.

Use this code when a patient presents for ongoing management, such as wound checks, dressing changes, or removal of sutures, for a previously treated laceration of the nose that included a foreign body. Documentation should clearly state the presence of a foreign body and that the encounter is not for initial treatment of the injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies "subsequent encounter" for appropriate code selection; otherwise, an initial encounter code (S01.22XA) may be more appropriate.
• Do not use this code for superficial foreign bodies without a laceration; refer to codes in the T15 category for foreign body on external eye or in T17 for foreign body in respiratory tract.
• Always code any associated complications, such as infection, in addition to this code.