Superficial foreign body (splinter) of elbow, forearm, and wrist, without major open wound, infected

This code describes a superficial foreign body, such as a splinter or thorn, embedded in the skin of the elbow, forearm, or wrist. The key characteristic is the absence of a significant open wound, but with evidence of infection at the site.

Apply this code when documentation indicates a patient presents with a foreign body in the specified anatomical areas, accompanied by signs of localized infection (e.g., redness, swelling, purulent discharge). This typically occurs after an initial injury where the foreign body was not immediately removed or was removed incompletely.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "infected" to support the fifth digit.
• Do not use if there is a major open wound; consider codes from the open wound series.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the foreign body and infection are the primary reason for the encounter.