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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.642

S31.642

Billable

Puncture wound with 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 S31.642 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of abdominal wall, epigastric region with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.642 describes a puncture wound located in the epigastric region of the abdominal wall that has resulted in the introduction of a foreign body into the peritoneal cavity. This type of injury is often associated with penetrating trauma, which can occur from various sources such as stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or accidental injuries involving sharp objects. The epigastric region is anatomically significant as it houses vital organs including parts of the stomach, liver, and pancreas. Penetration into the peritoneal cavity can lead to serious complications such as peritonitis, hemorrhage, and organ damage. Immediate assessment and intervention are critical to manage potential internal injuries and prevent further complications. Emergency surgical intervention may be required to remove the foreign body, repair any damaged organs, and address any bleeding. Proper documentation of the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, and any associated injuries is essential for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Involves understanding of anatomical regions and their implications.
  • Potential for associated injuries complicating the coding process.
  • Need for accurate assessment of foreign body presence and type.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the type of foreign body.
  • Lack of details regarding surgical interventions performed.
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.

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 accidental punctures to the abdomen.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is crucial due to the nature of emergency care.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical procedure, findings, and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for foreign body removal and repair of internal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with the injury.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.642 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, this code should be used when there is a confirmed puncture wound with a foreign body that has penetrated the peritoneal cavity
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant details are captured

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.642 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required to address internal injuries from the puncture wound.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

General surgery documentation must include all relevant details of the procedure.

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 aids in better tracking of trauma cases and improves the quality of data for research and treatment outcomes.

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 aids in better tracking of trauma cases and improves the quality of data for research and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 S31.642 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.642 is crucial for appropriate treatment planning, reimbursement, and tracking of trauma cases. It ensures that the severity of the injury is recognized and managed effectively.