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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.603

S31.603

Billable

Unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, right lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.603 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of abdominal wall, right lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the abdominal wall in the right lower quadrant that penetrates into the peritoneal cavity is a serious condition often resulting from trauma, such as stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or blunt force injuries. This type of injury can lead to significant complications, including peritonitis, hemorrhage, and organ damage. The right lower quadrant houses vital structures, including the appendix, cecum, and portions of the small intestine, making injuries in this area particularly concerning. Clinical evaluation typically involves imaging studies, such as CT scans, to assess the extent of the injury and any associated intra-abdominal complications. Emergency surgical intervention is often required to repair the wound, control bleeding, and prevent infection. The complexity of coding this condition arises from the need for precise documentation of the injury's nature, extent, and any associated complications, as well as the surgical procedures performed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury's specifics
  • Potential for associated complications requiring additional codes
  • Variability in surgical interventions based on injury severity
  • Differentiation from similar codes for accurate coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the extent of the wound
  • Lack of clarity on associated organ involvement
  • Improper coding of surgical procedures performed

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging results, and post-operative care documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and blunt abdominal trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the mechanism of injury and any intra-abdominal findings during surgery.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, including vital signs, imaging results, and initial treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of trauma patients with abdominal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation of the patient's condition and interventions performed in the emergency setting.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.603 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including the mechanism of injury and any complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.603 When
  • Exclude codes for superficial wounds or those not penetrating the peritoneal cavity

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

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

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must document the extent of injury and any repairs made.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.603 provides a clear distinction for open wounds with peritoneal involvement, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.603 provides a clear distinction for open wounds with peritoneal involvement, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S31.603 provides a clear distinction for open wounds with peritoneal involvement, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 S31.603 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.603 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of trauma cases, and ensuring appropriate patient care. It reflects the severity of the injury and the complexity of treatment required.