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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.02

S31.02

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of lower back and pelvis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of lower back and pelvis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.02 refers to a laceration in the lower back and pelvis region that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition often arises from traumatic incidents such as falls, accidents, or penetrating injuries. The foreign body may include items like glass, metal fragments, or other debris that can complicate the injury and increase the risk of infection. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and visible lacerations, and they may require imaging studies to assess the extent of the injury and the location of the foreign body. Emergency surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the foreign object, repair the laceration, and prevent further complications such as hemorrhage or infection. The management of such injuries requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving trauma surgeons, orthopedic specialists, and emergency medicine providers to ensure comprehensive care and optimal outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the coding process.
  • Requires detailed documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Potential for multiple associated injuries in the lumbar and pelvic regions.
  • Need for accurate coding of surgical interventions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and location.
  • Failure to document the mechanism of injury.
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports including the type of laceration, foreign body details, and surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or industrial accidents leading to lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all surgical interventions are documented, including any complications or follow-up care.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute trauma, requiring immediate evaluation and potential surgical referral.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.02 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 02 should be used when there is a documented laceration with a foreign body in the lower back and pelvis
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the foreign body and any surgical interventions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.02 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for lacerations requiring simple closure without extensive debridement.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the method of closure.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons may need to provide additional details on the complexity of the repair.

11042CPT Code

Debridement of skin and subcutaneous tissue

Clinical Scenario

Used when foreign body removal and extensive debridement are necessary.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report describing the extent of debridement and foreign body removal.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the documentation supports the need for extensive debridement.

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 with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies, which enhances data accuracy and improves patient care tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid claim denials.

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 S31.02 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.02 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of trauma cases, and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care for their injuries. It also helps in identifying trends in trauma-related injuries for public health purposes.