Laceration with foreign body of thyroid gland, init encntr

This code signifies a wound to the thyroid gland characterized by a tear or cut in the tissue, where a foreign object (e.g., glass, metal, wood) is embedded within the laceration. This injury typically results from penetrating trauma to the neck region.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a laceration of the thyroid gland with an embedded foreign body, and the patient is receiving initial active treatment for the injury. This includes emergency department visits, initial surgical repair, or initial evaluation and management.

• Ensure documentation specifies the presence of a foreign body within the laceration, not just a simple laceration.
• Confirm the encounter is the "initial encounter" for this specific injury. Subsequent care would use a different encounter character.
• Consider additional codes for associated injuries, external cause codes (e.g., W20-W49 for struck by/against), and place of occurrence if documented.