2025 ICD-10-CM code V90
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Accidents - Water transport accidents (V90-V94) 20 External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99) Feed
Drowning and submersion due to accident to watercraft.
While ICD-10-CM codes like V90 do not generally use modifiers in the same way that CPT codes do, the seventh character of the code can provide additional information about the encounter (e.g., initial encounter, subsequent encounter, sequela).
The medical necessity related to this code focuses on the acute care required due to the drowning or submersion.Treatment might involve resuscitation efforts, respiratory support, treatment for hypothermia, and other interventions based on the patient's specific condition.The documentation should clearly demonstrate the need for medical intervention.
Clinical responsibility for this code would typically fall to the first responders and emergency medical personnel at the scene of the accident, followed by hospital staff if the victim is rescued and requires further medical care. It's important for healthcare professionals to thoroughly document the circumstances of the drowning or submersion and any related injuries or conditions.
- 20 External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)
- Accidents (V00-X58)Transport accidents (V00-V99)Water transport accidents (V90-V94)
In simple words: This code describes drowning or submersion that happened because of an accident involving a watercraft like a boat or ship. It does not include accidents involving military watercraft, falls into water that didn't involve a watercraft, drowning related to water transport without an accident to the watercraft itself, or military accidents during war or operations.
Drowning and submersion due to accident to watercraft. Excludes1: civilian water transport accident involving military watercraft (V94.81-), fall into water not from watercraft (W16.-), military watercraft accident in military or war operations (Y36.0-, Y37.0-), water-transport-related drowning or submersion without accident to watercraft (V92.-)
Example 1: A passenger on a ferry falls overboard during rough seas and drowns., A recreational boat capsizes, leading to the submersion and drowning of one of the occupants., A jet ski operator collides with another watercraft, resulting in submersion and drowning.
Documentation should include the circumstances of the accident to the watercraft, the time elapsed before rescue or recovery, and any resulting injuries or medical conditions. Specific details about the watercraft involved (e.g., type, size) and environmental conditions (e.g., weather, water temperature) can also be helpful.
** For accurate coding, always ensure that V90 is used in conjunction with a primary code describing the resulting injury or condition. Refer to official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for detailed instructions and specific scenarios.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and potentially other specialties depending on the long-term effects of the submersion.
- Place of Service:Ambulance - Air or Water, Ambulance - Land, Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital.