Contusion of left middle finger w/o damage to nail, init

This code signifies a bruise or contusion affecting the middle finger of the left hand. It specifically indicates that the nail and nail bed are not involved in the injury. This is an acute injury, representing the initial phase of treatment.

Use this code for patients presenting with a direct impact injury to their left middle finger, resulting in localized pain, swelling, and discoloration, but without any visible damage to the fingernail or surrounding nail structures. This code is appropriate for the first encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies the left middle finger and absence of nail damage.
• Verify that this is indeed the initial encounter for this injury; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Differentiate from sprains, fractures, or open wounds, which would necessitate different codes.