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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.03

S31.03

Billable

Puncture wound without foreign body of lower back and pelvis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of lower back and pelvis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound without foreign body of the lower back and pelvis refers to an injury characterized by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues in the lumbar and pelvic regions, without the presence of any foreign material left in the wound. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, accidents, or intentional harm. Clinically, puncture wounds can lead to complications such as infection, hemorrhage, and damage to underlying structures, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. In the context of abdominal trauma, such wounds may also involve the peritoneal cavity, potentially leading to visceral injuries. Pelvic injuries may affect the stability of the pelvis and can complicate genitourinary function. Emergency surgical interventions may be required to manage complications, especially if there is significant bleeding or organ damage. Proper assessment and documentation of the injury's extent, associated symptoms, and any surgical interventions performed are crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between puncture wounds and other types of wounds.
  • Assessing the extent of injury to underlying structures.
  • Documenting the absence of foreign bodies accurately.
  • Identifying associated complications such as infections or organ damage.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to note associated complications.
  • Misclassification of the wound type.
  • Lack of clarity regarding the absence of foreign bodies.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the mechanism of injury, assessment of vital signs, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with puncture wounds from falls, stabbings, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all potential complications are documented, including any need for surgical intervention.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive surgical notes detailing the procedure performed, findings, and any complications encountered.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of puncture wounds with associated organ damage or significant bleeding.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of the injury and any repairs made to underlying structures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S31
  • 03 should be used when documenting puncture wounds without foreign bodies specifically located in the lower back and pelvis
  • It is essential to ensure that the documentation clearly states the absence of foreign material and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when a puncture wound requires simple closure without complications.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and surgical specialties should ensure accurate documentation of the procedure performed.

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 puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and associated complications, improving patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and associated complications, improving patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and associated complications, improving patient care and resource allocation.

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 S31.03 and S31.02?

S31.03 is used for puncture wounds without foreign bodies, while S31.02 is for puncture wounds that involve a foreign body. Accurate documentation is essential to determine which code to use.