ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS31.809

S31.809

Billable

Unspecified open wound of unspecified buttock

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S31.809 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified buttock.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An unspecified open wound of the buttock can arise from various traumatic incidents, including falls, accidents, or penetrating injuries. This type of injury may involve damage to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and potentially deeper structures such as muscle or fascia. The buttock region is anatomically complex, housing important structures such as the gluteal muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Open wounds in this area can lead to complications such as infection, hemorrhage, or damage to adjacent structures, necessitating careful assessment and management. In cases of significant trauma, associated injuries may include abdominal trauma, pelvic injuries, lumbar spine trauma, or genitourinary injuries, which require a comprehensive evaluation. Emergency surgical interventions may be necessary to address severe wounds, control bleeding, or repair damaged tissues. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and reimbursement, as well as for tracking injury patterns in trauma registries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of wound specifics (depth, size, location)
  • Potential for associated injuries requiring additional codes
  • Need for precise anatomical terminology
  • Differentiation from similar codes for other types of wounds

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Ambiguity in the description of the wound
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the wound, mechanism of injury, and any associated injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma from falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all associated injuries are documented to avoid undercoding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment notes, including vital signs and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute trauma to the buttock area.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any interventions performed in the emergency setting.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S31.809 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, this code should be used when the specific site of the wound is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the documentation supports the use of this unspecified code and consider any associated injuries that may require additional coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S31.809 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 on the buttock.

Documentation Requirements

Document the size of the wound and the method of repair.

Specialty Considerations

Trauma surgeons should ensure that the complexity of the wound is accurately reflected in the coding.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S31.809 can lead to challenges in data analysis and reimbursement. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code to avoid potential denials.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like S31.809 can lead to challenges in data analysis and reimbursement. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code to avoid potential denials.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement. Coders must ensure that documentation supports the use of this code to avoid potential denials.

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 S31.809 instead of a more specific code?

Use S31.809 when the documentation does not specify the exact location or type of the open wound, and no more specific codes are applicable.