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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.031

S31.031

Billable

Puncture wound 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 S31.031 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound without foreign body of lower back and pelvis with penetration into retroperitoneum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the lower back and pelvis that penetrates into the retroperitoneal space is a serious injury that can result from various traumatic events, such as stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or accidental punctures. The retroperitoneum is an anatomical space that contains vital structures, including the kidneys, ureters, aorta, inferior vena cava, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Injuries to this area can lead to significant complications, including hemorrhage, organ laceration, and infection. Clinical management often requires immediate surgical intervention to assess and repair any damage to the retroperitoneal organs. The absence of a foreign body indicates that the wound is primarily a result of the penetrating trauma rather than an object being lodged within the tissue. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Involves understanding of anatomical structures affected.
  • Potential for multiple organ involvement complicates coding.
  • Need for precise differentiation from similar codes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to specify the extent of organ involvement.
  • Misclassification of the wound type.
  • Lack of surgical notes detailing interventions performed.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports and imaging studies are essential to document the extent of injury and surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of stab wounds or gunshot wounds to the lower back and pelvis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all findings from imaging and surgical exploration are documented to support the coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough initial assessment notes and triage documentation are critical.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain following a puncture wound.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.031 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the documentation supports a puncture wound without a foreign body and confirms penetration into the retroperitoneum

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.031 When
  • Exclude codes for superficial wounds or those with foreign bodies

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy, exploratory celiotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for retroperitoneal injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must ensure accurate documentation of the injury and repair.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as puncture wounds with detailed anatomical implications. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes, ultimately improving patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as puncture wounds with detailed anatomical implications. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes, ultimately improving patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as puncture wounds with detailed anatomical implications. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and outcomes, ultimately improving patient care.

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 S31.031 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.031 is crucial for appropriate treatment planning, reimbursement, and tracking of injury outcomes. It ensures that healthcare providers are compensated for the complexity of care required for such injuries.