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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.139

S31.139

Billable

Puncture wound of abdominal wall without foreign body, unspecified quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.139 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound of abdominal wall without foreign body, unspecified quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the abdominal wall is characterized by a sharp object penetrating the skin and underlying tissues without causing a breach into the peritoneal cavity. This type of injury can occur due to various incidents, including accidents, falls, or intentional harm. The abdominal wall consists of multiple layers, including skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle, and a puncture wound may involve any of these layers. The absence of a foreign body indicates that the injury is not complicated by retained objects, which can often lead to infection or further complications. The unspecified quadrant designation means that the exact location of the wound within the abdominal wall is not specified, which can complicate treatment and documentation. Clinically, such wounds may present with localized pain, swelling, and potential bleeding, but they typically do not involve internal organs or structures, making them less severe than penetrating abdominal injuries. Treatment often involves cleaning the wound, monitoring for infection, and providing appropriate wound care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified quadrant can lead to ambiguity in documentation.
  • Differentiating from other types of abdominal injuries.
  • Need for precise documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Potential for associated injuries that may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Failure to specify the quadrant of the wound.
  • Misclassification of the wound type (puncture vs. laceration).
  • Inconsistent coding with clinical findings.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with stab wounds, accidental punctures, or injuries from falls.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly states the absence of foreign bodies and penetration into the peritoneal cavity.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes detailing the wound assessment, any surgical interventions performed, and post-operative care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for wound repair or exploration in cases of suspected internal injury.

Billing Considerations

Document any findings that may indicate complications or associated injuries.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.139 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 139 should be used when a puncture wound is confirmed without foreign body involvement and without penetration into the peritoneal cavity
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the injury is accurately described

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.139 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

12001CPT Code

Simple repair of superficial wounds

Clinical Scenario

Used for repair of the puncture wound after assessment.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the repair is appropriate for the depth and complexity of the wound.

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 puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including puncture wounds. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury types and outcomes, which can improve patient care and resource allocation.

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 difference between a puncture wound and a laceration?

A puncture wound is a small hole caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin, while a laceration is a tear or cut in the skin that may be deeper and wider.