2025 ICD-10-CM code W65
(Active) Effective Date: N/A External causes of morbidity - Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion 20 Feed
Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub.
Applicable 7th character modifiers: A (initial encounter), D (subsequent encounter), S (sequela).
Medical necessity is established by the documented need for medical intervention as a result of the drowning/submersion incident. This might include resuscitation, respiratory support, or treatment for other related complications.
It is the clinician's responsibility to accurately document the circumstances surrounding the drowning or submersion incident, including whether a fall was involved, to ensure appropriate code assignment.
- 20
- Accidents (V00-X58), Other external causes of accidental injury (W00-X58), Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion (W65-W74)
In simple words: Accidental drowning or submersion in a bathtub, excluding cases involving a fall into the tub.
Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub. Excludes1: accidental drowning and submersion due to fall in (into) bathtub (W16.211)
Example 1: A 2-year-old child is found unresponsive in a bathtub with a few inches of water. Resuscitation efforts are successful. The incident was unwitnessed, but there's no evidence of a fall. W65 is coded along with the appropriate codes for the effects of the submersion, such as respiratory distress., An elderly patient with a history of seizures experiences a seizure while bathing and becomes submerged in the bathwater. The patient is discovered and revived by a family member. Code W65 is assigned along with any codes for the seizure disorder and any resulting complications., An adult with a history of syncope faints while taking a bath and is submerged under the water. The individual regains consciousness shortly after being pulled from the tub. The code W65 is applied, along with any codes related to the syncope and its consequences.
Documentation should clearly state that the drowning or submersion occurred in a bathtub. The absence of any indication of a fall should be explicitly documented or clearly inferable from the clinical record. Any related conditions or complications should also be documented.
** Always code to the highest level of specificity. If the intent is unknown, it defaults to accidental.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Home, Inpatient Hospital (if admitted for further treatment)