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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.600

S31.600

Billable

Unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, right upper quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.600 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, right upper quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the abdominal wall in the right upper quadrant indicates a traumatic injury that has breached the skin and underlying tissues, potentially involving the peritoneal cavity. This type of injury can result from various mechanisms, including blunt or penetrating trauma, and may lead to significant complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or damage to internal organs. The right upper quadrant houses vital structures, including the liver, gallbladder, and portions of the small intestine, making injuries in this area particularly concerning. The penetration into the peritoneal cavity suggests that the wound is not superficial and may require immediate surgical intervention to assess and manage any internal damage. Emergency surgical procedures may include exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy to evaluate the extent of the injury, control bleeding, and repair any damaged organs. Proper coding of this condition is crucial for accurate medical billing and to ensure appropriate care is documented and reimbursed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of the type and extent of the wound
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Potential for associated injuries to internal organs
  • Differentiation from similar codes for abdominal trauma

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the extent of the wound
  • Lack of surgical notes detailing intervention
  • Misclassification of the wound type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and patient history are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma patients presenting with abdominal injuries from motor vehicle accidents or falls.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions and findings are thoroughly documented to support the coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on patient assessment, initial management, and any imaging performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute abdominal pain and suspected penetrating injuries requiring immediate evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical, as delays can lead to coding inaccuracies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.600 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the documentation supports the diagnosis of an open wound with peritoneal penetration
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.600 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when an open wound of the abdominal wall is suspected to involve internal organs.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must ensure all findings are documented for accurate coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of trauma-related injuries, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing. S31.600 provides a clear framework for coding complex abdominal injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of trauma-related injuries, improving the accuracy of medical records and billing. S31.600 provides a clear framework for coding complex abdominal injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing. S31.600 provides a clear framework for coding complex abdominal 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 specifying penetration into the peritoneal cavity?

Specifying penetration into the peritoneal cavity is crucial as it indicates a more severe injury that may require surgical intervention and has higher associated risks.