2025 ICD-10-CM code S37.491
Other injury of ovary, unilateral. This code describes an injury to one ovary due to trauma, not otherwise specified in the ICD-10-CM.
Medical necessity is established by the documented evidence of the traumatic injury to the ovary. The documentation should justify the need for diagnostic tests and treatment provided.
Clinicians should diagnose this condition based on patient history of trauma, physical examination focusing on the injured structure and type of injury, and imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI) to assess the damage and rule out other injuries. Treatment may include wound repair, tetanus prophylaxis, measures to stop bleeding, resection of the affected ovary portion, analgesics for pain, antibiotics for infection, and NSAIDs for swelling.
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- Injuries to the abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, pelvis and external genitals (S30-S39)
In simple words: This code represents an injury to one of your ovaries from an accident or trauma, that is not described by a more specific code. Ovaries are the organs that hold and release eggs. Injury can be due to many causes.
Other injury of a single ovary refers to damage due to trauma such as a puncture by a sharp object, blunt trauma to the lower abdomen, sexual violence, injury during childbirth, or surgery on the ovary. This code is used when the provider identifies a specific type of ovarian injury not described by other codes.
Example 1: A patient presents to the ER after a car accident with blunt trauma to the lower abdomen. Imaging reveals an isolated injury to the right ovary, not otherwise specified. S37.491 is used, along with a code from Chapter 20 to specify the cause of injury (car accident)., During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the surgeon accidentally nicks the patient's left ovary, causing a small laceration. The injury is not severe enough to require resection. S37.491 is coded, with an additional code indicating the iatrogenic cause., A patient experiences a penetrating injury to the lower abdomen. Exploration reveals a puncture wound to the right ovary, not classified as a laceration or other specific injury type. S37.491 would be appropriate, along with codes for the open wound and cause of injury.
Documentation should include details of the traumatic event, physical exam findings (including location and type of injury), imaging results, and treatment provided. The documentation must clearly indicate that the injury is limited to one ovary and doesn't fit a more specific injury category.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Trauma Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office