2025 ICD-10-CM code X32
(Active) Effective Date: N/A External causes of morbidity - Exposure to forces of nature 20 Feed
Exposure to sunlight.
This code has a placeholder X for the 7th character, indicating the need for a 7th character to specify the encounter type (initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela). Example, X32.XXXA
The medical necessity for the use of X32 relies on the connection between sun exposure and the diagnosed condition.The documentation should support the use of this code by demonstrating a clear causal link.
The provider's responsibility when using this code is to document the cause of the injury or condition as exposure to sunlight. This code should be used as a secondary code to a code describing the nature of the condition resulting from the sunlight exposure, which is often an injury code (S00-T88) or another relevant code from Chapters I to XVIII.
- 20
- Accidents (V00-X58)Other external causes of accidental injury (W00-X58)Exposure to forces of nature (X30-X39)
In simple words: This code represents exposure to natural sunlight.
Exposure to sunlight. Excludes1: man-made radiation (tanning bed) (W89). Excludes2: radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59).
Example 1: A patient presents with sunburn after spending a prolonged time outdoors.The primary code would be L55.- (Sunburn), and X32 would be used as a secondary code to indicate the cause of the sunburn., A patient develops heatstroke after hiking in the sun.The primary code would be T67.0XXA (Heatstroke, initial encounter), and X32 would be the secondary code indicating the external cause., A patient with photosensitivity experiences an allergic reaction after sun exposure.The primary code would describe the allergic reaction (e.g., L56.2 - Photoallergic reaction), with X32 as the secondary code.
Documentation should clearly state the relationship between the exposure to sunlight and the resulting condition.The duration and intensity of sun exposure should be noted, if known.Any related symptoms or contributing factors should also be documented.
** It is important to differentiate exposure to sunlight (X32) from conditions caused by excessive exposure, such as sunburn (L55.-) or heatstroke (T67.0XXA).X32 should be used as a secondary code in addition to a code for the specific condition.Also, differentiate from exposure to man-made radiation (W89) such as tanning beds.
- Specialties:Primary specialties that might use this code include:Emergency MedicineFamily MedicineInternal MedicineDermatologySecondary specialties (when applicable based on the primary diagnosis):Allergy and ImmunologyCardiology (for heatstroke related complications)Neurology (for heatstroke related complications)
- Place of Service:This code can be applied to various places of service depending on where the patient received treatment for the condition resulting from sun exposure, such as:"Office""Home""Inpatient Hospital""Emergency Room - Hospital""Outpatient Hospital""Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home"