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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.101

S31.101

Billable

Unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, left upper quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.101 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, left upper quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the abdominal wall in the left upper quadrant indicates a traumatic injury that has resulted in a break in the skin and underlying tissues without breaching the peritoneal cavity. This type of injury can occur due to blunt or penetrating trauma, such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or stab wounds. The left upper quadrant houses vital organs, including the spleen, stomach, and parts of the pancreas and colon. Therefore, while the wound does not penetrate the peritoneal cavity, there is still a risk of significant internal injury or hemorrhage. Clinical assessment is crucial to rule out any associated injuries to these organs. Treatment typically involves wound care, possible surgical intervention to repair any damage to the abdominal wall, and monitoring for complications such as infection or internal bleeding. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury in medical records.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound depth and extent
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Differentiation from similar codes for abdominal injuries
  • Potential for associated internal injuries requiring additional codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the depth of the wound
  • Misclassification of the wound type (open vs. closed)
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed description of the injury mechanism, assessment findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma from falls, accidents, or assaults with abdominal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support coding for potential complications.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical intervention, if performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of abdominal wall defects or exploration for suspected internal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with the wound repair.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.101 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring specificity in documentation
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.101 When
  • Exclude codes that indicate more severe injuries or complications

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing the open wound in the left upper quadrant.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. S31.101 provides a clear distinction for open wounds without peritoneal involvement, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of medical records and reimbursement processes. S31.101 provides a clear distinction for open wounds without peritoneal involvement, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S31.101 provides a clear distinction for open wounds without peritoneal involvement, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 specifying the quadrant in abdominal wounds?

Specifying the quadrant helps in determining the potential for internal organ injury and guides treatment decisions. It also aids in accurate coding and reimbursement.