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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.604

S31.604

Billable

Unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, left lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.604 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, left lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the abdominal wall in the left lower quadrant with penetration into the peritoneal cavity indicates a significant injury that may involve damage to internal organs and structures. This type of wound is often the result of blunt or penetrating trauma, such as from a stab wound, gunshot wound, or severe blunt force impact. The peritoneal cavity houses vital organs, including parts of the intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs, making such injuries potentially life-threatening. Clinical management typically involves emergency surgical intervention to assess and repair any damage to the abdominal organs, control bleeding, and prevent infection. The complexity of treatment and coding arises from the need for detailed documentation of the injury's extent, associated organ involvement, and any surgical procedures performed. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the wound's characteristics and extent
  • Potential involvement of multiple organ systems
  • Variability in surgical interventions based on injury severity
  • 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 details regarding surgical interventions performed
  • Inconsistent coding with clinical findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and clinical notes describing the injury and treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and blunt abdominal trauma.

Billing Considerations

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

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Accurate triage notes, initial assessment, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of trauma patients with abdominal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.604 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code reflects the specific nature of the injury and any associated complications
  • Include documentation that supports the diagnosis and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.604 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical intervention following an open abdominal wound.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must document the extent of injury and any repairs made.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of trauma cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.604 provides a clear indication of the severity and nature of the injury, which is critical for patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of trauma cases, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.604 provides a clear indication of the severity and nature of the injury, which is critical for patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S31.604 provides a clear indication of the severity and nature of the injury, which is critical for patient management 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 significance of specifying the left lower quadrant?

Specifying the left lower quadrant is crucial for accurately identifying the location of the injury, which can affect treatment decisions and surgical approaches.