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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.40

S31.40

Billable

Unspecified open wound of vagina and vulva

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.40 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of vagina and vulva.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the vagina and vulva refers to a traumatic injury that results in a break in the skin or mucous membrane of the vaginal and vulvar areas. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including blunt or penetrating trauma, often seen in cases of sexual assault, accidents, or childbirth complications. The clinical presentation may include bleeding, pain, and potential infection. The management of such wounds typically involves thorough cleaning, assessment for associated injuries, and possible surgical intervention to repair the tissue and prevent complications. In cases of significant trauma, it is crucial to evaluate for concurrent injuries, particularly in the pelvic region, which may involve the bladder, urethra, or rectum. Emergency surgical interventions may be necessary to address extensive damage or to control hemorrhage. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and the treatment provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential mechanisms of injury (blunt vs. penetrating)
  • Need for detailed documentation of associated injuries
  • Variability in clinical presentation and treatment
  • Potential for concurrent genitourinary injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment provided
  • Inconsistent coding practices among coders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed account of the mechanism of injury, vital signs, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases from accidents, assaults, or childbirth-related injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure thorough documentation of any concurrent injuries to the pelvic region.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive notes on the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries related to childbirth, surgical complications, or gynecological procedures.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions performed and the condition of the tissue.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.40 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, this code should be used when the specific site of the open wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this unspecified code and consider more specific codes if available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.40 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

58120CPT Code

Vulvectomy, partial or complete

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of severe trauma requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document the extent of the procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical notes clearly outline the reason for the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, but it has also introduced complexity in documenting and coding unspecified injuries. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of unspecified codes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, but it has also introduced complexity in documenting and coding unspecified injuries. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of unspecified codes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, but it has also introduced complexity in documenting and coding unspecified injuries. Coders must be diligent in ensuring that documentation supports the use of unspecified codes.

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 I document to support the use of S31.40?

You should document the mechanism of injury, any associated injuries, the treatment provided, and the patient's response to treatment. Clear notes will help justify the use of this unspecified code.