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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.612

S31.612

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of abdominal wall, epigastric region with penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.612 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of abdominal wall, epigastric region with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.612 refers to a specific type of abdominal wall injury characterized by a laceration in the epigastric region that penetrates the peritoneal cavity without the presence of a foreign body. This condition often arises from blunt or penetrating trauma, such as stab wounds or accidents involving sharp objects. The epigastric region is located between the costal margins and above the umbilicus, making it a critical area for potential organ injury, including the stomach, liver, and pancreas. The penetration into the peritoneal cavity can lead to serious complications, such as peritonitis, hemorrhage, and organ damage. Immediate assessment and intervention are crucial to manage the injury effectively, often requiring surgical exploration to repair the laceration and address any associated injuries. Proper coding of this condition is essential for accurate medical billing and to ensure appropriate treatment protocols are followed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of anatomical terminology and regions of the abdomen.
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to abdominal wall injuries.
  • Need for precise documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Assessment of associated injuries to internal organs.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to note associated organ injuries.
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., superficial vs. penetrating).
  • Lack of clarity on the surgical intervention performed.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the injury mechanism, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stab wounds or blunt trauma to the abdomen.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical due to the urgency of treatment and potential for rapid deterioration.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical approach, findings, and repairs made during the procedure.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for abdominal lacerations with peritoneal penetration.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of any additional procedures performed during surgery is essential.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.612 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 612 should be used when the laceration is confirmed to penetrate the peritoneal cavity without foreign body involvement
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.612 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical exploration is necessary due to penetrating abdominal trauma.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

General surgery documentation must include specifics of the laceration and any repairs performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abdominal injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation of injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abdominal injuries, improving the accuracy of claims and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation of injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 S31.612 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.612 is crucial for ensuring appropriate reimbursement, tracking patient outcomes, and facilitating effective treatment planning. It also helps in identifying trends in trauma cases for public health monitoring.