2025 ICD-10-CM code S21.14

Puncture wound with foreign body in the front chest wall, without penetration into the thoracic cavity.

Use additional codes to specify the location of the puncture wound (right or left) and to indicate any associated injuries.If the foreign body penetrates the thoracic cavity, a different code should be used.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter (e.g., multiple procedures, anesthesia). Consult current modifier guidelines for details.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a retained foreign body requiring removal, significant pain, signs of infection, or potential damage to underlying structures.Wound care is medically necessary to promote healing and prevent complications.

Diagnosis involves patient history, physical examination, and imaging (X-rays) to assess wound extent and potential damage to nerves or blood vessels. Treatment includes wound cleaning, foreign body removal, wound repair, pain management (analgesics), infection prevention (antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis), and management of inflammation (NSAIDs).

IMPORTANT Consider additional codes for associated injuries (e.g., rib fracture, nerve damage), retained foreign body (Z18.-), and subsequent encounters (add appropriate 7th character).

In simple words: This code means someone has a small hole in their chest from a sharp object, like a needle or splinter. The object is still stuck in the chest, but it didn't go into the chest cavity (where the heart and lungs are).

This code describes a penetrating injury to the anterior chest wall resulting in a puncture wound with a retained foreign body. The injury is limited to the chest wall; there is no penetration into the thoracic cavity (the space containing the lungs and heart).The foreign body remains embedded in the wound.This could result from various sharp objects like needles, glass, or splinters.

Example 1: A construction worker sustains a puncture wound to the chest wall from a nail, with the nail remaining embedded.The wound is superficial and does not penetrate the chest cavity., A child gets a splinter lodged in their chest wall during playtime. The splinter remains embedded and causes localized pain and swelling., A patient presents with a puncture wound from a knife, with a small piece of the knife blade remaining in the wound. The injury is superficial to the chest wall.

Detailed description of the injury, including location, depth, size, and presence of a foreign body.Results of any imaging studies (e.g., X-rays) used to assess the extent of injury.Documentation of wound cleaning, foreign body removal, repair, and any medication administered.

** This code specifically excludes injuries that penetrate the thoracic cavity.Always ensure accurate documentation to support the chosen code.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine
  • Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.