Choosing ICD-10-CM Codes
Coding Example 6
Now, let's review an external cause code example. As we discussed in Lesson 2, you're encouraged to voluntarily report external cause codes, even in the absence of a reporting mandate.
Diagnosis: Injury sustained from falling down ice-covered steps, initial encounter
Step 1: Look up the term for the diagnosis in the External Cause of Injuries Index, which is part of the Alphabetic Index.
Fall, falling (accidental) W19
- from, off, out of
- - stairs, steps W10.9
- - - due to ice or snow W00.1
The index shows W00.1 for the code for falling from steps due to ice or snow. Next, verify this code in the Tabular List.
Step 2: Verify the code W00.1 in the Tabular List.
W00Fall due to ice and snow
Includes: pedestrian on foot falling (slipping) on ice and snow
Add the correct 7th character to each code from category W00
A – initial encounterW00.1 Fall from stairs and steps due to ice and snow
D – subsequent encounter
S – sequela
The Tabular List shows W00.1 as the code for fall from stairs and steps due to ice and snow. Since W00.1 only has 4 characters and A must appear in the 7th character position to show initial encounter, this is an example of a situation when you should use character X as a placeholder. Insert X twice to create 6 characters and then add the 7th character, A, at the end of the code.
Code Assignment for this Diagnosis: W00.1XXA
