Puncture wound w/o foreign body of left elbow, init encntr

This code describes a wound caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues of the left elbow, where no foreign material is retained within the wound. It signifies an injury that is typically deeper than a superficial abrasion but does not involve an embedded foreign body.

Apply this code for initial treatment of a patient presenting with a clean puncture wound to the left elbow, such as from a needle, nail, or thorn, where examination confirms the absence of any retained foreign object. This code is appropriate for the first encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "left elbow" and "puncture wound without foreign body."
• Verify that this is the patient's initial presentation for this specific injury to use the "A" seventh character.
• Do not use this code if a foreign body is present; instead, select a code from the S51.04- or S51.05- series.