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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.5

S31.5

Billable

Open wound of unspecified external genital organs

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open wound of unspecified external genital organs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open wound of the external genital organs refers to a break in the skin or mucous membrane that exposes underlying tissues in the genital area. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from accidents, assaults, or surgical interventions. The external genital organs include structures such as the penis, scrotum, vulva, and perineum. The severity of the wound can vary from superficial lacerations to deep punctures that may involve underlying structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. In cases of abdominal trauma, pelvic injuries, or lumbar spine trauma, the presence of an open wound in the genital area may indicate significant underlying injuries that require immediate evaluation and intervention. Genitourinary injuries can also complicate the clinical picture, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for management. Emergency surgical interventions may be required to control bleeding, repair damaged tissues, and prevent infection. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying injuries
  • Need for detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Differentiation from other genital injuries
  • Potential for associated genitourinary complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Lack of specificity in describing the wound
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Inconsistent coding practices among coders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving blunt or penetrating injuries to the genital area.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented to support the complexity of the case.

Urology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of genitourinary function and any surgical interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with open wounds following trauma or surgical procedures affecting the genital area.

Billing Considerations

Document any potential complications such as urinary tract injuries or infections.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.5 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 5 should be used when the specific site of the open wound cannot be determined
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that it is not used when a more specific code is available

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.5 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 an open wound of the external genital area.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size and location of the wound, as well as the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and urology may have specific protocols for documenting these repairs.

58150CPT Code

Total abdominal hysterectomy

Clinical Scenario

May be performed if the open wound is associated with gynecological surgery.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery and any complications encountered.

Specialty Considerations

Urology and gynecology should coordinate documentation for clarity.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of injuries, including those of the external genital organs. This has improved the ability to capture the complexity of these injuries and their management, leading to better data for research and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of injuries, including those of the external genital organs. This has improved the ability to capture the complexity of these injuries and their management, leading to better data for research 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

When should I use S31.5 instead of more specific codes?

S31.5 should be used when the specific site of the open wound cannot be determined or when the documentation does not support a more specific code. Always strive for specificity when coding.

What documentation is necessary to support the use of S31.5?

Documentation should include the mechanism of injury, the extent of the wound, any associated injuries, and the treatment provided. This information is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.