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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.051

S31.051

Billable

Open bite of lower back and pelvis with penetration into retroperitoneum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.051 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of lower back and pelvis with penetration into retroperitoneum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the lower back and pelvis with penetration into the retroperitoneum is a severe traumatic injury typically resulting from penetrating trauma, such as a bite from an animal or a sharp object. This injury can lead to significant damage to the soft tissues, muscles, and potentially vital structures within the retroperitoneal space, including the kidneys, ureters, and major blood vessels. The retroperitoneum is a critical area that houses important organs and structures, and any penetration can lead to life-threatening complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or organ dysfunction. Clinical management often requires immediate surgical intervention to control bleeding, repair damaged structures, and prevent infection. The complexity of this injury necessitates thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, extent of damage, and any surgical procedures performed to ensure accurate coding and appropriate reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Involves multiple anatomical regions (lower back, pelvis, retroperitoneum).
  • Potential for associated injuries complicating the clinical picture.
  • Need for surgical intervention and detailed operative reports.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Lack of operative reports detailing surgical interventions.
  • Misclassification of the injury type (open vs. closed).

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive operative reports detailing the extent of injury, surgical procedures performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of penetrating trauma cases, including bites and stab wounds to the lower back and pelvis.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires clear documentation of the injury's mechanism and any associated injuries to ensure appropriate reimbursement.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on initial assessment, imaging studies, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of patients with traumatic injuries to the lower back and pelvis.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is crucial for coding and billing, especially in acute trauma cases.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.051 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 051 should be used when there is clear documentation of an open bite injury with retroperitoneal penetration
  • Coders must ensure that all relevant details are captured, including the mechanism of injury and any surgical procedures performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.051 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for retroperitoneal injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must ensure accurate coding of the procedure in relation to the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like S31.051, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to capture the complexity of such injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries like S31.051, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to capture the complexity of such injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to capture the complexity of such injuries.

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 documenting the mechanism of injury for S31.051?

Documenting the mechanism of injury is crucial for accurate coding and understanding the severity of the injury. It helps differentiate between types of injuries and supports the medical necessity for surgical interventions.