ICD-10-CM Code S21.441A

Puncture wound with foreign body of right back wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity, initial encounter

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: S00–T98
  3. Section: S20-S29
  4. Block: S21
  5. S21.441A - Pnctr w fb of r bk wl of thorax w penet thor cavity, init
Version 2020 Billable Code

Valid for Submission

S21.441A is a billable code used to specify a medical diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of right back wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity, initial encounter. The code is valid for the year 2020 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

ICD-10:S21.441A
Short Description:Pnctr w fb of r bk wl of thorax w penet thor cavity, init
Long Description:Puncture wound with foreign body of right back wall of thorax with penetration into thoracic cavity, initial encounter

Diagnostic Related Groups

The ICD-10 code S21.441A is grouped in the following groups for version MS-DRG V37.0 What are Diagnostic Related Groups?
The Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) are a patient classification scheme which provides a means of relating the type of patients a hospital treats. The DRGs divides all possible principal diagnoses into mutually exclusive principal diagnosis areas referred to as Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC). applicable from 10/01/2020 through 09/30/2020.

  • 913 - TRAUMATIC INJURY WITH MCC
  • 914 - TRAUMATIC INJURY WITHOUT MCC

Convert S21.441A to ICD-9

  • 862.9 - Intrathorac inj NOS-open (Approximate Flag)

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00–T98)
    • Injuries to the thorax (S20-S29)
      • Open wound of thorax (S21)

Code History

  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016
    (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020

Information for Patients


Back Injuries

Your back is made of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from your neck to your pelvis. Back injuries can result from sports injuries, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident. The lower back is the most common site of back injuries and back pain. Common back injuries include

  • Sprains and strains
  • Herniated disks
  • Fractured vertebrae

These injuries can cause pain and limit your movement. Treatments vary but might include medicines, icing, bed rest, physical therapy, or surgery. You might be able to prevent some back injuries by maintaining a healthy weight, lifting objects with your legs, and using lower-back support when you sit.


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Foreign Bodies

If you've ever gotten a splinter or had sand in your eye, you've had experience with a foreign body. A foreign body is something that is stuck inside you but isn't supposed to be there. You may inhale or swallow a foreign body, or you may get one from an injury to almost any part of your body. Foreign bodies are more common in small children, who sometimes stick things in their mouths, ears, and noses.

Some foreign bodies, like a small splinter, do not cause serious harm. Inhaled or swallowed foreign bodies may cause choking or bowel obstruction and may require medical care.


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Wounds and Injuries

An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or walking across the street.

Wounds are injuries that break the skin or other body tissues. They include cuts, scrapes, scratches, and punctured skin. They often happen because of an accident, but surgery, sutures, and stitches also cause wounds. Minor wounds usually aren't serious, but it is important to clean them. Serious and infected wounds may require first aid followed by a visit to your doctor. You should also seek attention if the wound is deep, you cannot close it yourself, you cannot stop the bleeding or get the dirt out, or it does not heal.

Other common types of injuries include

  • Animal bites
  • Bruises
  • Burns
  • Dislocations
  • Electrical injuries
  • Fractures
  • Sprains and strains

[Learn More]

Previous Code: S21.441

Related Codes

Next Code: S21.441D