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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.00

S31.00

Billable

Unspecified open wound of lower back and pelvis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of lower back and pelvis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the lower back and pelvis refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin and underlying tissues in the lumbar region and pelvic area. This type of injury can arise from various causes, including blunt force trauma, penetrating injuries, or accidents. The clinical presentation may vary widely, from superficial lacerations to deep wounds that may involve muscle, fascia, and even visceral organs. In cases of significant trauma, there is a risk of associated injuries to the lumbar spine, pelvic bones, and genitourinary structures. Emergency surgical intervention may be required to manage complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or damage to internal organs. Accurate assessment and documentation of the wound's characteristics, including size, depth, and any foreign bodies, are crucial for appropriate treatment and coding. The management of these injuries often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including trauma surgery, urology, and rehabilitation services, to ensure comprehensive care and optimal recovery.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in injury severity and presentation
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Need for detailed documentation to support coding
  • Differentiation from similar codes for accurate billing

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the wound's characteristics
  • Failure to capture associated injuries
  • Inconsistent coding practices among coders
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical narrative

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the wound, associated injuries, and surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of traumatic open wounds from accidents, falls, or violence.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all surgical procedures and findings are documented to support coding.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Documentation of any genitourinary injuries or interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries involving the bladder or urethra due to pelvic trauma.

Billing Considerations

Clear documentation of any urological assessments and interventions is critical.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.00 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, coders should ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis of an unspecified open wound
  • If more specific details about the wound become available, coders should update the code accordingly

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.00 When
  • Exclusions include wounds that are classified under more specific codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of an open wound in the lower back.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and depth of the wound, as well as the repair technique used.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons should ensure that all aspects of the wound repair are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, which can improve the accuracy of billing and reimbursement. However, the unspecified nature of S31.00 may lead to challenges in justifying claims without adequate documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, which can improve the accuracy of billing and reimbursement. However, the unspecified nature of S31.00 may lead to challenges in justifying claims without adequate documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing and reimbursement. However, the unspecified nature of S31.00 may lead to challenges in justifying claims without adequate documentation.

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

When should I use S31.00 instead of a more specific code?

Use S31.00 when the documentation does not provide sufficient detail to assign a more specific code. If additional information becomes available, update the code accordingly.