Contusion of right middle finger w damage to nail, init

This code signifies a bruise to the right middle finger, specifically involving the nail or nail bed, indicating trauma to this area. The injury does not involve an open wound but rather subcutaneous bleeding and tissue damage under the skin and nail.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a contusion of the right middle finger with associated nail damage, such as a subungual hematoma or nail plate injury, and it is the initial treatment for this specific injury. This is appropriate for injuries resulting from blunt force trauma, like being struck by an object or crushing the finger.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "right middle finger" and "contusion with nail damage."
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the initial treatment for this injury; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Distinguish from open wounds of the finger, which would be coded differently.