ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.144

S31.144

Billable

Puncture wound of abdominal wall with foreign body, left lower quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.144 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound of abdominal wall with foreign body, left lower quadrant without penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A puncture wound of the abdominal wall in the left lower quadrant occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin and underlying tissues but does not breach the peritoneal cavity. This type of injury can result from various incidents, including accidents, assaults, or surgical complications. The presence of a foreign body complicates the injury, as it may lead to infection, inflammation, or further tissue damage. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the left lower quadrant, and there may be visible signs of the puncture wound. It is crucial to assess for any signs of internal injury, especially in cases where the wound is deep or if the foreign body is large. Emergency surgical intervention may be required to remove the foreign body and to ensure that there is no damage to underlying structures such as the intestines or major blood vessels. Proper wound care and monitoring for infection are essential components of management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the clinical picture.
  • Need for thorough documentation of the injury mechanism.
  • Differentiation from other abdominal injuries is necessary.
  • Potential for associated injuries in the pelvic or lumbar regions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to note the presence of a foreign body.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment and outcomes.
  • Misclassification of the injury severity.

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 foreign body injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging and surgical interventions are documented.

General Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the removal of foreign bodies and any repairs made to the abdominal wall.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for foreign body removal and management of associated injuries.

Billing Considerations

Document any findings related to the peritoneal cavity to rule out complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.144 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury site, type, and any foreign bodies present

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.144 When
  • Exclude codes for injuries that penetrate the peritoneal cavity

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy, peritoneal cavity

Clinical Scenario

Used when there is suspicion of internal injury requiring surgical exploration.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

General surgery documentation must include all findings related to the abdominal cavity.

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 enhances the accuracy of patient records and facilitates better tracking of injury types 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 enhances the accuracy of patient records and facilitates better tracking of injury types and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, including those with foreign bodies, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and facilitates better tracking of injury types 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 coding S31.144 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.144 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of injury types, and ensuring appropriate patient care. It also helps in identifying trends in trauma cases and improving clinical outcomes.