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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.120

S31.120

Billable

Laceration of abdominal wall with foreign body, right upper quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.120 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration of abdominal wall with foreign body, right upper quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.120 refers to a specific type of abdominal wall injury characterized by a laceration in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) that is associated with a foreign body but does not penetrate the peritoneal cavity. This condition often arises from blunt or penetrating trauma, such as accidents involving sharp objects or falls. The right upper quadrant is anatomically significant as it houses vital organs, including the liver and gallbladder, making injuries in this area particularly concerning. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection or further tissue damage. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and signs of infection. Emergency surgical intervention may be required to remove the foreign body and repair the laceration, especially if there is concern for internal damage or infection. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of a foreign body complicates the clinical picture.
  • Requires differentiation from other abdominal injuries.
  • Documentation must specify the location and nature of the laceration.
  • Potential for associated injuries in adjacent organs.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body.
  • Failure to specify the exact location of the laceration.
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on mechanism of injury, physical examination findings, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases from accidents, falls, or assaults involving sharp objects.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the urgency of the situation and any immediate interventions performed.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the surgical procedure, findings, and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for foreign body removal and repair of the abdominal wall.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with the laceration repair.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.120 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 120 should be used when the laceration is documented as not penetrating the peritoneal cavity
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the foreign body is clearly identified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.120 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used when the laceration is repaired without complications.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the laceration and the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and surgical specialties 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 injuries, such as S31.120, which provides better data for tracking and managing trauma cases. This specificity aids in clinical decision-making and enhances the accuracy of billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as S31.120, which provides better data for tracking and managing trauma cases. This specificity aids in clinical decision-making and enhances the accuracy of billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 be documented to support the use of S31.120?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, specific location of the laceration, presence of any foreign bodies, and details of any surgical interventions performed.