Laceration w/o foreign body of thyroid gland, init encntr

This code signifies a tear or cut in the thyroid gland that does not involve any foreign material embedded within the tissue. It represents an acute injury to the thyroid, typically resulting from trauma, and is being addressed for the first time.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a traumatic laceration of the thyroid gland without mention of a foreign body. This is appropriate for the initial visit or encounter where the injury is diagnosed and treatment is initiated. Supporting documentation would include operative reports, emergency department notes, or physician office notes detailing the injury mechanism and findings.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without foreign body" to differentiate from codes involving foreign bodies.
• Verify that this is the "initial encounter" for treatment of this specific injury; subsequent encounters would use a different seventh character.
• Always code the external cause of the injury (e.g., assault, motor vehicle accident) in addition to this diagnosis code.