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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.011

S31.011

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of lower back and pelvis with penetration into retroperitoneum

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.011 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of lower back and pelvis with penetration into retroperitoneum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.011 refers to a specific type of laceration that occurs in the lower back and pelvis, characterized by the absence of a foreign body and the penetration into the retroperitoneal space. This injury typically results from blunt or penetrating trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, or stab wounds. The retroperitoneum is a space in the abdominal cavity that contains vital structures, including the kidneys, ureters, aorta, and inferior vena cava. Injuries in this area can lead to significant complications, including hemorrhage, organ damage, and infection. Emergency surgical intervention is often required to repair the laceration, control bleeding, and prevent further complications. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as it reflects the severity and complexity of the injury. Proper documentation must detail the mechanism of injury, the extent of the laceration, and any associated injuries to ensure comprehensive coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Involves understanding of anatomical structures and potential complications.
  • May require additional codes for associated injuries.
  • Complexity in differentiating from similar codes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the extent of the laceration.
  • Omission of associated injuries or complications.
  • Incorrect linkage of procedures to the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the nature of the laceration, surgical interventions performed, and any complications encountered.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma from vehicular accidents, falls, or assaults leading to lacerations in the lower back and pelvis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant anatomical details and surgical findings are documented to support the coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency department notes should include the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute trauma to the lower back and pelvis requiring immediate evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical for accurate coding and billing, especially in acute settings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.011 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the laceration is confirmed to penetrate the retroperitoneum without foreign bodies
  • Document all relevant clinical findings and interventions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.011 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49002CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy, peritoneal cavity

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for laceration repair.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the findings and procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons should ensure all relevant details are captured for accurate coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those that penetrate the retroperitoneum. This specificity aids in better tracking of trauma cases and improves the accuracy of treatment planning and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those that penetrate the retroperitoneum. This specificity aids in better tracking of trauma cases and improves the accuracy of treatment planning and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 significance of coding S31.011 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.011 is crucial for reflecting the severity of the injury, guiding treatment decisions, and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for the healthcare provider.