ICD-10 S31
Non-Billable HeaderOpen wound of abdomen, lower back, pelvis and external genitals
About ICD-10-CM S31
ICD-10-CM code S31 represents Open wound of abdomen, lower back, pelvis and external genitals. This is a non-billable header code in the Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes chapter (block S31). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM S31 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Coding Tips for S31
Specialist guidance from the PayerReady Medical Coding Team. Specificity warnings, HCC capture rules, sequencing notes.
Injury codes require a 7th character: A (initial encounter, active treatment), D (subsequent, healing/recovery), S (sequela, late effect of original injury). Codes with fewer than 6 characters need the placeholder X to bring them to 6 characters before adding the 7th. Wrong or missing 7th character is the #1 cause of injury claim denials.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with S31. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- traumatic amputation of part of abdomen, lower back and pelvis (S38.2-, S38.3)
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of S31, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- open wound of hip (S71.00-S71.02)
- open fracture of pelvis (S32.1--S32.9 with 7th character B)
Coding Notes
Code Also
- any associated:
- spinal cord injury (S24.0, S24.1-, S34.0-, S34.1-)
- wound infection
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S31
Medicare LCD Coverage for S31
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list S31 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing S31.
3 Cigna
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with S31
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To S31
Other codes in section S30-S39 (Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals).
ICD-10 S31, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code S31 billable? +
No, S31 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block S31 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for S31? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with S31): traumatic amputation of part of abdomen, lower back and pelvis (S38.2-, S38.3)
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for S31? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): open wound of hip (S71.00-S71.02); open fracture of pelvis (S32.1--S32.9 with 7th character B)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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