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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.640

S31.640

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body 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 S31.640 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of abdominal wall, right upper quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound with a foreign body in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal wall indicates a significant injury that may involve the liver, gallbladder, or other abdominal organs. This type of injury often results from penetrating trauma, such as a stab wound or a gunshot wound, and can lead to serious complications, including internal bleeding, peritonitis, or organ damage. The presence of a foreign body complicates the clinical picture, as it may necessitate surgical intervention to remove the object and repair any damage to the abdominal wall or underlying structures. Patients may present with abdominal pain, tenderness, and signs of peritoneal irritation. Immediate assessment and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans, are crucial for evaluating the extent of the injury and planning appropriate surgical management. Emergency surgical interventions may include exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy to address any internal injuries and to ensure the foreign body is safely extracted.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates diagnosis and treatment.
  • Potential for multiple organ involvement increases coding complexity.
  • Need for precise documentation of injury details and surgical interventions.
  • Variability in clinical presentation may lead to coding discrepancies.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the type of foreign body.
  • Lack of imaging results to support the diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated injuries.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and notes on the mechanism of injury.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and other penetrating abdominal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding requires thorough documentation of all findings and interventions during surgery.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient assessment, including vital signs, physical exam findings, and initial imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of trauma patients presenting with abdominal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical to ensure accurate coding and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.640 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, codes for puncture wounds must specify the location and any associated complications
  • Documentation should clearly indicate the presence of a foreign body and any penetration into the peritoneal cavity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.640 When
  • Exclusions include superficial wounds without foreign body involvement

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy, peritoneal cavity

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for penetrating abdominal injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must document the mechanism of injury and any foreign bodies encountered.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and analyze trauma cases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and analyze trauma cases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track and analyze trauma cases.

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 importance of specifying the foreign body in the documentation?

Specifying the foreign body is crucial for accurate coding and billing, as it impacts the complexity of the case and the required surgical interventions.