ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS11.031

S11.031

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of vocal cord

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S11.031 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of vocal cord.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A laceration of the vocal cord is a traumatic injury that results in a tear or cut in the vocal cord tissue, which can occur due to various mechanisms such as blunt trauma, penetrating injuries, or surgical complications. This injury can lead to significant voice changes, hoarseness, or even loss of voice, depending on the severity and location of the laceration. The vocal cords, located in the larynx, are essential for phonation and airway protection. Lacerations can be classified as superficial or deep, with deep lacerations potentially involving surrounding structures and leading to complications such as airway obstruction or infection. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, often supplemented by laryngoscopy to visualize the extent of the injury. Management may include voice rest, hydration, and in some cases, surgical intervention to repair the laceration. Complications can include scarring, chronic hoarseness, or airway compromise, necessitating careful monitoring and follow-up.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between superficial and deep lacerations
  • Understanding the anatomical implications of vocal cord injuries
  • Documenting the mechanism of injury accurately
  • Identifying associated injuries in the laryngeal region

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the depth of the laceration
  • Misclassification of the injury as a foreign body presence
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Complete documentation of the patient's history, mechanism of injury, and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma to the neck or throat, such as from accidents or assaults.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the mechanism of injury is clearly documented to support the diagnosis and coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports that describe the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical interventions for vocal cord lacerations, including direct repair or laryngeal reconstruction.

Billing Considerations

Document any complications encountered during surgery that may affect coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S11.031 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is a confirmed diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of the vocal cord
  • Document the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S11.031 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

31505CPT Code

Laryngoscopy, diagnostic, direct

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate vocal cord injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Document findings from the laryngoscopy and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency and ENT specialists should ensure thorough documentation of the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vocal cord injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S11.031 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vocal cord injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S11.031 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S11.031 provides a clear distinction for lacerations without foreign bodies, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between S11.031 and S11.032?

S11.031 is used for lacerations of the vocal cord without a foreign body, while S11.032 is for lacerations that involve a foreign body. Accurate documentation of the presence or absence of foreign bodies is crucial for correct coding.