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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.021

S31.021

Billable

Laceration with foreign body of lower back and pelvis with penetration into retroperitoneum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.021 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of lower back and pelvis with penetration into retroperitoneum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.021 refers to a specific type of traumatic injury characterized by a laceration in the lower back and pelvis that has been complicated by the presence of a foreign body, which has penetrated into the retroperitoneal space. This condition typically arises from high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or penetrating injuries from sharp objects. The retroperitoneum is a critical anatomical space that houses vital structures, including the kidneys, ureters, aorta, inferior vena cava, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Penetration into this area can lead to significant complications, including hemorrhage, organ injury, and infection. Emergency surgical intervention is often required to remove the foreign body, repair any damaged structures, and manage any associated bleeding. Proper assessment and imaging, such as CT scans, are crucial for determining the extent of the injury and planning appropriate surgical management. The complexity of this injury necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving trauma surgeons, urologists, and radiologists.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Potential for multiple organ involvement in the retroperitoneum.
  • Need for detailed imaging studies to assess injury extent.
  • Emergency surgical intervention often required.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body type and location.
  • Failure to specify the extent of retroperitoneal penetration.
  • Lack of imaging reports to support the diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated injuries.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging studies, and post-operative care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of traumatic lacerations with foreign bodies, emergency surgeries for retroperitoneal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all surgical interventions and findings are clearly documented to support coding.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Urological assessments, imaging results, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries involving the kidneys or ureters due to retroperitoneal penetration.

Billing Considerations

Document any urological complications or interventions related to the injury.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.021 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated complications
  • Include details about the foreign body and any surgical interventions performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.021 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49002CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical exploration is needed for retroperitoneal injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must document the extent of the injury and any repairs performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complex injuries like S31.021, improving the accuracy of medical records and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complex injuries like S31.021, improving the accuracy of medical records and facilitating better patient care through detailed documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of complex injuries like S31.021, improving the accuracy of medical records and facilitating better patient care through detailed 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

What is the significance of coding S31.021 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.021 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of trauma cases, and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care based on the severity of their injuries.