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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.602

S31.602

Billable

Unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, epigastric region with penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.602 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, epigastric region with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the abdominal wall in the epigastric region with penetration into the peritoneal cavity indicates a significant injury that may arise from various traumatic events, such as blunt or penetrating trauma. This type of wound can lead to serious complications, including peritonitis, hemorrhage, and organ damage. The epigastric region, located between the costal margins and above the umbilicus, houses vital organs such as the stomach, liver, and parts of the intestines. When an open wound penetrates the peritoneal cavity, it can expose these organs to external contaminants, increasing the risk of infection and necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Emergency surgical procedures may include exploratory laparotomy to assess and repair any damage to internal structures. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as it reflects the severity of the injury and the complexity of care required.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound specifics
  • Need for precise anatomical localization
  • Potential for associated organ injuries
  • Differentiation from similar codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the extent of the wound
  • Lack of clarity on associated injuries
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the injury mechanism, surgical findings, and interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma from motor vehicle accidents, stab wounds, or falls leading to abdominal injuries.

Billing Considerations

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

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough assessment notes, including vital signs, imaging results, and initial management steps.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain following trauma, requiring immediate evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document the urgency of the situation and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.602 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the documentation clearly indicates an open wound with peritoneal penetration

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.602 When
  • Exclude codes for closed wounds or superficial injuries

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy, peritoneal cavity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with an open abdominal wound requires surgical exploration.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery, findings during the procedure, and any repairs made.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must ensure that all findings are accurately recorded to support the complexity of the case.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abdominal injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.602 reflects the complexity of trauma care and the need for precise documentation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abdominal injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.602 reflects the complexity of trauma care and the need for precise documentation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S31.602 reflects the complexity of trauma care and the need for precise documentation.

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 S31.602 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.602 is crucial for reflecting the severity of the injury, ensuring appropriate reimbursement, and facilitating effective treatment planning. It also aids in tracking trauma cases for quality improvement and research purposes.