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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.000

S31.000

Billable

Unspecified open wound of lower back and pelvis without penetration into retroperitoneum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.000 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of lower back and pelvis without penetration into retroperitoneum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code S31.000 refers to an unspecified open wound located in the lower back and pelvis region that does not penetrate into the retroperitoneum. This type of injury is often the result of blunt or penetrating trauma, which can occur in various scenarios such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. Clinically, these wounds can present with significant soft tissue damage, potential involvement of underlying structures such as muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, and may lead to complications such as infection or hemorrhage. The absence of retroperitoneal penetration indicates that the injury is limited to the superficial and muscular layers, which may simplify management but still requires careful assessment to rule out associated injuries to the lumbar spine or pelvic organs. Emergency surgical intervention may be necessary to repair significant tissue damage, control bleeding, or prevent infection, particularly if the wound is extensive or contaminated. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation quality regarding the extent and nature of the wound
  • Differentiation from similar codes that may involve more specific injuries
  • Need for comprehensive assessment of associated injuries in the lumbar and pelvic regions
  • Potential for complications that may arise post-injury requiring additional coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the extent of the wound
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment outcomes
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury, assessment findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma from falls, accidents, or assaults with open wounds in the lower back and pelvis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to avoid undercoding or misclassification.

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the surgical intervention, including any repairs to underlying structures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of open wounds involving the lumbar spine or pelvis.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should clearly outline the surgical approach and any complications encountered.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.000 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 000 should be used when the specific nature of the open wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that no more specific codes are applicable
  • It is important to review the patient's entire medical record for any additional details that may clarify the injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.000 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for suturing an open wound in the lower back.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, as well as the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure accurate coding based on the complexity of the repair.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of open wounds, improving the granularity of data for tracking and treatment outcomes. S31.000 provides a clear designation for unspecified wounds, facilitating appropriate management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of open wounds, improving the granularity of data for tracking and treatment outcomes. S31.000 provides a clear designation for unspecified wounds, facilitating appropriate management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 should I document to support the use of S31.000?

Document the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. Ensure that the documentation is clear and comprehensive to support the coding.