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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS01.31

S01.31

Billable

Laceration without foreign body of ear

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S01.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S01.31 refers to a laceration of the ear that does not involve any foreign body. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from falls, sports injuries, or accidents involving sharp objects. The ear is a delicate structure, and lacerations can affect both the external ear (auricle) and the ear canal. Clinically, these injuries may present with bleeding, pain, and swelling. The absence of a foreign body is crucial for this code, as the presence of one would necessitate a different coding approach. Proper assessment involves a thorough examination of the ear, including checking for any signs of infection or damage to deeper structures. Management typically includes cleaning the wound, possible suturing, and providing pain relief. Complications can include infection, scarring, and in severe cases, damage to the underlying cartilage or structures of the ear. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between lacerations with and without foreign bodies
  • Assessing the depth and extent of the laceration
  • Documenting associated injuries or complications
  • Understanding the anatomical specifics of the ear

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the depth of the laceration
  • Misclassification of lacerations involving foreign bodies
  • Inconsistent coding of associated injuries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include the mechanism of injury, assessment findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases from sports injuries, falls, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly states the absence of foreign bodies.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports should detail the procedure performed, including any suturing techniques used.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of lacerations requiring anesthesia and operative intervention.

Billing Considerations

Document any complications or additional procedures performed during surgery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S01.31 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code accurately reflects the clinical scenario and that all documentation supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S01.31 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds of the face, ears, eyelids, nose, scalp, and neck

Clinical Scenario

Used when suturing a laceration of the ear.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the laceration and the technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the procedure aligns with the diagnosis of S01.31.

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 lacerations of the ear, which enhances the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including lacerations of the ear, which enhances the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 difference between S01.31 and S01.32?

S01.31 is used for lacerations of the ear without foreign bodies, while S01.32 is for lacerations that involve a foreign body.