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S31.829A
ICD-10-CM
Buttocks Wound

Find information on buttock wound diagnosis, including clinical documentation and medical coding for gluteal wounds, buttock ulcers, and buttock pressure injuries. Learn about appropriate healthcare and treatment options for these conditions. This resource offers guidance on proper terminology for accurate medical records and efficient coding practices related to buttocks wounds.

Also known as

Gluteal Wound
Buttock Ulcer
Buttock Pressure Injury

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Injury or break in the skin of the buttocks.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or visible skin breakdown on the buttocks.
  • Common Settings : Immobility, prolonged pressure, moisture, friction, inadequate nutrition.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S31.829A Coding
L89

Decubitus ulcer

Covers pressure injuries/ulcers of the buttock.

S30-S39

Injuries to the pelvis

Includes open wounds and injuries to the buttock region.

L97

Non-pressure chronic ulcer of lower leg

May be applicable if buttock ulcer is not pressure-related.

T14.0

Injury of unspecified part of trunk

A general code for unspecified buttock injuries if more specific codes don't fit.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the wound a pressure injury/ulcer?

  • Yes

    Stage of pressure injury?

  • No

    Is the wound traumatic?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Wound on the buttocks.
Pressure injury on the buttocks.
Open wound on the hip.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document wound location (L/R buttock)
  • Document wound size (length x width x depth cm)
  • Describe wound characteristics (color, drainage)
  • Stage pressure injury if applicable (I-IV)
  • Document surrounding skin condition

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Specificity of Buttock Wound

    Coding requires specifying wound type (e.g., laceration, pressure ulcer) for accurate reimbursement and quality reporting. Imprecise documentation leads to coding errors.

  • Laterality Documentation

    Missing laterality (right, left, bilateral) impacts coding and reimbursement. CDI should query physicians for clarification to ensure complete documentation.

  • Pressure Injury Staging

    Pressure injuries require stage documentation (I-IV, unstageable, deep tissue) for proper coding and quality metrics. Incomplete staging leads to compliance risks.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Regular repositioning, offloading pressure on buttocks
  • Assess skin integrity, document wound characteristics accurately for ICD-10 coding (L89)
  • Optimize nutrition, hydration to promote wound healing, prevent pressure ulcers
  • Use appropriate dressings, manage infection risk per clinical guidelines for compliance
  • Educate patient, caregivers on pressure injury prevention, proper wound care at home

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm wound location within buttock region: ICD-10 L98.4
  • Document wound type: pressure injury, laceration, etc.
  • Assess wound characteristics: size, depth, drainage
  • Evaluate for infection signs: redness, swelling, warmth
  • Stage pressure injury (if applicable): NPUAP stages I-IV

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Coding accuracy for buttocks wound, gluteal wound, buttock ulcer, and buttock pressure injury impacts reimbursement.
  • Proper ICD-10 coding (e.g., L89) and appropriate modifiers maximize hospital revenue.
  • Accurate documentation of wound characteristics affects quality metrics for pressure injury staging.
  • Timely coding and billing minimize claim denials and improve hospital financial performance.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the evidence-based best practices for managing a Stage 2 buttock pressure injury in a geriatric patient with limited mobility?

A: Managing a Stage 2 buttock pressure injury in a geriatric patient with limited mobility requires a multidisciplinary approach focusing on pressure relief, wound bed preparation, infection control, and nutritional support. Evidence-based best practices include frequent repositioning (at least every two hours), utilizing pressure-relieving support surfaces like specialized mattresses and cushions, and meticulous wound care with appropriate dressings (e.g., hydrocolloids, alginates) based on the wound characteristics. Infection control involves regular assessment for signs of infection and appropriate debridement if necessary. Nutritional optimization, including adequate protein and calorie intake, plays a crucial role in wound healing. Consider implementing a standardized pressure injury prevention protocol and explore how specialized nutrition plans can accelerate healing in these complex patients. Learn more about the role of support surfaces in pressure injury management.

Q: How do I differentiate between a buttock pressure injury and a moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) lesion in an incontinent patient?

A: Differentiating between a buttock pressure injury and moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) in an incontinent patient can be challenging, as they often coexist. Pressure injuries typically present over bony prominences like the ischial tuberosities and sacrum, exhibiting characteristics like defined edges and varying depths, potentially with necrotic tissue or eschar. MASD, however, tends to occur in skin folds and areas exposed to prolonged moisture, presenting as diffuse erythema, maceration, and superficial erosion. The location, wound characteristics, and presence of underlying pressure are key differentiators. Explore how implementing a comprehensive skin assessment protocol can help distinguish between these two conditions and guide appropriate treatment. Consider incorporating standardized incontinence management practices to minimize moisture exposure and reduce the risk of MASD.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code L89 for buttocks ulcers
  • Document wound depth, stage
  • Consider Z76.4 for aftercare
  • Check for coexisting conditions
  • Specify laterality if applicable

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a buttock wound, also documented as a gluteal wound, buttock ulcer, or buttock pressure injury.  Assessment reveals a (stage I, II, III, IV - specify stage if pressure injury) wound located on the (right, left, bilateral - specify location) buttock.  The wound measures (length) x (width) x (depth) cm and exhibits (describe wound bed: e.g., granulating, sloughy, necrotic) tissue with (describe exudate: e.g., serous, serosanguinous, purulent, amount) drainage.  Surrounding skin is (describe surrounding skin: e.g., intact, erythematous, macerated, indurated).  Patient reports (presenting symptoms: e.g., pain, itching, odor, drainage).  Pain is described as (character of pain: e.g., sharp, dull, aching, constant, intermittent) and rated (pain scale rating) on a 0-10 scale.  Etiology is suspected to be (possible causes: e.g., prolonged pressure, friction, shear, moisture, incontinence).  Differential diagnosis includes pressure injury, stasis ulcer, traumatic wound, infectious process.  Plan includes (treatment plan: e.g., wound care with (specify dressing type), pressure relief measures (specify: e.g., repositioning every 2 hours, specialized mattress), pain management (specify medication and route), nutritional assessment and support, debridement (if necessary, specify type), monitoring for signs of infection).  ICD-10 code (specify appropriate code based on etiology and stage if applicable, e.g., L89, L89.152) and CPT codes for wound care procedures (specify appropriate code(s) e.g., 97597, 97602) will be applied for medical billing and coding purposes. Patient education provided regarding wound care, pressure relief, and signs and symptoms of infection. Follow-up scheduled in (duration) for wound reassessment and ongoing management.