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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.121

S31.121

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.121 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration of abdominal wall with foreign body, left upper quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.121 refers to a specific type of abdominal wall injury characterized by a laceration in the left upper quadrant that is associated with a foreign body but does not penetrate the peritoneal cavity. This type of injury is often the result of blunt or penetrating trauma, such as from a fall, motor vehicle accident, or an industrial accident. 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 localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the left upper quadrant, and imaging studies may be necessary to assess the extent of the injury and the presence of any internal damage. Emergency surgical intervention may be required to address the laceration and ensure that no internal organs are compromised. Proper coding is essential for accurate billing and to reflect the complexity of the injury and treatment provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the injury.
  • Requires detailed documentation of the injury site and extent.
  • Differentiation from similar codes for abdominal wall injuries.
  • Need for surgical intervention documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the foreign body.
  • Failure to specify the location of the laceration.
  • Lack of surgical notes if intervention was performed.
  • Misclassification of the injury type.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma from accidents, falls, or assaults.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging and surgical interventions are documented to support the coding.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure for foreign body removal and laceration repair.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for abdominal wall lacerations with foreign bodies.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of the surgical procedure performed in conjunction with the injury.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.121 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 121 should be used when the laceration is confirmed to be in the left upper quadrant and there is a foreign body present without peritoneal penetration
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.121 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when there is a need to explore the abdominal cavity due to suspected internal injury.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

General surgeons must document the rationale for exploratory procedures.

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. This specificity helps in better tracking of trauma cases and improves the accuracy of healthcare data, which can influence treatment protocols and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies. This specificity helps in better tracking of trauma cases and improves the accuracy of healthcare data, which can influence treatment protocols 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 is the significance of coding S31.121 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.121 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of trauma cases, and ensuring that the complexity of the injury is reflected in the patient's medical record. It also aids in the analysis of trauma patterns and outcomes.