In simple words: This code is used when someone is hurt by a gun, but it's unclear whether it was an accident, suicide attempt, or intentional harm by another person.

This ICD-10-CM code classifies an unspecified firearm discharge where the intent (accidental, intentional self-harm, assault, etc.) cannot be determined.It is secondary to a code from another chapter specifying the nature of the injury sustained.Use only when there is documented uncertainty regarding the intent of the firearm discharge.

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department with a gunshot wound to the leg. The patient is unable to recall the circumstances of the injury, and there are no witnesses.Code Y24.9 is used secondarily to the code describing the gunshot wound., A law enforcement officer discovers an individual with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.The investigation cannot definitively establish whether the discharge was accidental or intentional. Y24.9 is used as a secondary code to describe the circumstance., During a hunting trip, a hunter accidentally discharges their firearm, injuring a nearby individual.The intent was clearly accidental, but Y24.9 could potentially be used if the precise sequence of events leading to the discharge is undocumented and remains uncertain.

Detailed documentation of the incident is essential.This includes the patient's statement (if available), witness accounts, police reports, and any other relevant evidence.Medical records must clearly describe the injuries sustained, treatment provided, and the reason for the uncertainty regarding the intent of the firearm discharge.

** This code is part of the ICD-10-CM External Causes of Morbidity chapter.It's crucial to ensure that the uncertainty regarding the intent of the firearm discharge is explicitly documented in the medical record to support the use of this code.