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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.644

S31.644

Billable

Puncture wound with foreign body of abdominal wall, left lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.644 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of abdominal wall, left lower quadrant with penetration into peritoneal cavity.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S31.644 describes a puncture wound located in the left lower quadrant of the abdominal wall that has penetrated into the peritoneal cavity and involves a foreign body. This type of injury is often the result of trauma, such as a stab wound, gunshot wound, or an accidental injury from sharp objects. The presence of a foreign body complicates the clinical picture, as it can lead to infection, peritonitis, or other serious complications. The peritoneal cavity houses vital organs, and any breach can result in significant morbidity. Emergency surgical intervention is typically required to remove the foreign body, repair the abdominal wall, and address any damage to internal organs. The management of such injuries requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving trauma surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and radiologists for imaging studies to assess the extent of the injury and guide treatment decisions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Presence of foreign body complicates the clinical scenario.
  • Potential for multiple organ involvement increases coding complexity.
  • Need for precise documentation of the injury's extent and treatment.
  • Emergency surgical intervention may require additional coding for procedures.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the presence of a foreign body.
  • Lack of detailed operative reports post-surgery.
  • Inconsistent coding of associated procedures.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and accidental punctures.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the type of foreign body and any associated organ injuries is crucial.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough initial assessment notes, including vital signs and mechanism of injury.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of trauma patients with abdominal injuries.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is essential for coding accuracy and billing.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.644 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury site, mechanism, and any associated procedures
  • Include details about the foreign body and any complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.644 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49000CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required to explore the peritoneal cavity.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the findings and procedures performed.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons must document the extent of the 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, such as S31.644, which provides better data for tracking and managing trauma cases. This specificity aids in research and improves patient care outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as S31.644, which provides better data for tracking and managing trauma cases. This specificity aids in research and improves patient care outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries, such as S31.644, which provides better data for tracking and managing trauma cases. This specificity aids in research and improves patient care 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 S31.644 accurately?

Accurate coding of S31.644 is crucial for proper reimbursement, tracking of trauma cases, and ensuring appropriate patient management. It reflects the complexity of the injury and the need for potential surgical intervention.