ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 19: Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causesS31

S31

Non-billable

Open wound of abdomen, lower back, pelvis and external genitals

Chapter 19:Injury, poisoning and other consequences of external causes

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S31 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of open wound of abdomen, lower back, pelvis and external genitals.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 Level 1 Category code S31 encompasses open wounds located in the abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and external genitals. This category includes various types of injuries such as lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds that may occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or accidents. Clinically, these wounds can vary in severity, from superficial cuts to deep lacerations that may involve underlying structures such as muscles, organs, and blood vessels. Proper identification and coding of these wounds are crucial for appropriate treatment planning and resource allocation in healthcare settings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of wound types
  • Potential for complications
  • Need for precise documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of wound severity
  • Misclassification of wound type
  • Failure to capture associated injuries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical and administrative impact of the S31 code category is significant, as it plays a vital role in tracking trauma-related injuries and their treatment outcomes. Accurate coding can influence quality measures, such as the rates of complications or readmissions associated with open wounds. Furthermore, understanding the prevalence of these injuries can inform population health initiatives and resource allocation within healthcare systems, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and safety.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical and administrative impact of the S31 code category is significant, as it plays a vital role in tracking trauma-related injuries and their treatment outcomes. Accurate coding can influence quality measures, such as the rates of complications or readmissions associated with open wounds. Furthermore, understanding the prevalence of these injuries can inform population health initiatives and resource allocation within healthcare systems, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and safety.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the complexity of the wound and the interventions performed, such as surgical repair or wound care management. It is essential to maintain thorough documentation to support the medical necessity of the services rendered, which can help mitigate potential denials or audits.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for S31

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for S31

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in S31?

Conditions covered under S31 include open lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions affecting the abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and external genital areas. These injuries may arise from various causes such as falls, accidents, or surgical interventions.

When should I use S31 codes?

S31 codes should be used when documenting open wounds in the specified anatomical regions. It is important to assess the severity and type of the wound to select the appropriate subcategory code for accurate representation of the patient's condition.

What documentation is required for S31?

Documentation for S31 should include a detailed description of the wound, including its size, depth, location, and any associated injuries. Clinical notes should also indicate the mechanism of injury and any treatment provided, such as suturing or debridement.