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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.020

S31.020

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of lower back and pelvis without penetration into retroperitoneum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.020 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of lower back and pelvis without penetration into retroperitoneum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.020 refers to a specific type of injury characterized by a laceration in the lower back and pelvis region that includes a foreign body but does not penetrate into the retroperitoneal space. This condition typically arises from traumatic incidents such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or penetrating injuries from sharp objects. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may require surgical intervention to remove the object and repair the laceration. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and potential signs of infection. The management of such injuries often involves imaging studies to assess the extent of the damage and the location of the foreign body, followed by appropriate surgical procedures to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. The absence of retroperitoneal penetration is significant, as it indicates a lower risk of damage to vital structures such as the kidneys or major blood vessels, which would necessitate more complex surgical interventions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the foreign body type and location
  • Differentiation from similar codes related to lacerations without foreign bodies
  • Assessment of associated injuries in the lumbar and pelvic regions
  • Potential for surgical intervention and its documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body
  • Failure to specify the nature of the laceration
  • Misclassification of the injury severity
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports including the nature of the laceration, foreign body removal, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving falls, accidents, or assaults leading to lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all surgical interventions are documented, including any complications or follow-up care.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough initial assessment notes, including mechanism of injury and immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute trauma to the lower back and pelvis.

Billing Considerations

Accurate recording of vital signs and imaging results is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.020 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S31
  • 020 should be used when the laceration is documented with a foreign body and without retroperitoneal penetration
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that all relevant details are included

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.020 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for the repair of the laceration after foreign body removal.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the repair procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons should ensure that all aspects of the 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, including those with foreign bodies, which improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies, which improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies, which improves data accuracy and enhances the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

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 the foreign body in S31.020?

The foreign body complicates the laceration, requiring specific documentation and potentially surgical intervention for removal and repair.