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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.8

S31.8

Billable

Open wound of other parts of abdomen, lower back and pelvis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open wound of other parts of abdomen, lower back and pelvis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code S31.8 refers to open wounds located in various parts of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis that do not fall into more specific categories. These injuries can result from blunt or penetrating trauma, including accidents, falls, or violence. Open wounds in these areas may involve damage to skin, subcutaneous tissue, and potentially deeper structures such as muscles, fascia, and organs. Clinical management often requires thorough assessment to determine the extent of injury, which may include imaging studies and surgical intervention. Emergency surgical procedures may be necessary to control bleeding, repair damaged tissues, or prevent infection. The complexity of these injuries can vary significantly based on the location and severity of the wound, as well as the presence of associated injuries to the genitourinary system or lumbar spine. Proper documentation is crucial for coding accuracy and to ensure appropriate reimbursement for the care provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential injuries associated with open wounds
  • Need for detailed documentation of the extent and type of wound
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on injury severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the depth of the wound
  • Omission of associated injuries in the coding process
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, assessment findings, and interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases from accidents, falls, or assaults presenting with open abdominal or pelvic wounds.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all associated injuries are documented to support accurate coding.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the extent of the wound, surgical procedures performed, and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of open wounds in the abdomen or pelvis following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Clear documentation of surgical findings and techniques is essential for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S31
  • 8 should be used when the specific site of the open wound is not classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code, particularly in cases with multiple injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

49002CPT Code

Exploratory laparotomy

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of open abdominal wounds to assess and repair internal injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing findings and interventions.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine and surgical specialties must coordinate documentation for accurate coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of open wounds, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.8 provides a broader category for injuries that may not fit neatly into more specific codes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of open wounds, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S31.8 provides a broader category for injuries that may not fit neatly into more specific codes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S31.8 provides a broader category for injuries that may not fit neatly into more specific 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

When should I use S31.8 instead of a more specific code?

Use S31.8 when the open wound does not fit into a more specific category and when the documentation supports the general nature of the injury.