Crushing injury of right index finger, initial encounter

This diagnosis code signifies a severe compressive injury to the right index finger, resulting from a significant force or pressure. Such an injury typically involves damage to multiple tissue layers, including bone, muscle, nerves, and blood vessels, due to the crushing mechanism.

This code is appropriate for the initial encounter of a patient presenting with a right index finger that has been subjected to a crushing force, such as being caught in machinery, slammed in a door, or struck by a heavy object. It should be used when the injury is acute and the patient is receiving initial treatment, evaluation, or surgical intervention.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the right index finger and the crushing nature of the injury.
• Verify that this is indeed the initial encounter for this specific injury; subsequent care would require a different encounter character.
• Look for associated injuries like fractures (e.g., phalanx), open wounds, or nerve damage, and code them separately if documented.