Contusion of unspecified hand, initial encounter

This code signifies a bruise or blunt trauma to an unspecified hand, resulting in damage to the soft tissues without an open wound. It indicates the initial treatment or encounter for this injury. The injury typically involves localized pain, swelling, and discoloration.

Apply this code when documentation indicates a contusion to the hand, and the specific hand (left or right) is not specified. This is appropriate for the first time a patient presents for evaluation and treatment of the hand bruise. Examples include a patient who hit their hand on a door or fell and landed on their hand.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states "hand" and does not specify left or right.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for the injury; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always review the entire medical record to rule out more specific injuries, such as fractures or open wounds.