Crushing injury of right middle finger, initial encounter

This diagnosis code signifies a severe compressive force applied to the right middle finger, resulting in tissue damage. This type of injury often involves significant trauma, potentially leading to fractures, soft tissue damage, and vascular compromise. The "initial encounter" designation indicates that this code is used for the patient's first visit for this specific injury.

Apply this code when documenting the initial treatment for a patient who has sustained a crushing injury to their right middle finger. This includes scenarios such as a finger caught in a door, machinery, or struck by a heavy object. It is appropriate for the emergency department visit or the first physician office visit for this acute injury.

• Always confirm the specific digit involved (middle finger) and the laterality (right).
• Ensure "initial encounter" is appropriate; subsequent care for this injury will require a different encounter character.
• Look for documentation of the mechanism of injury to support the "crushing" nature.