2025 ICD-10-CM code V49.49XA
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Injury - Transport accidents Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality Feed
This code classifies the initial encounter of a driver injured in a collision with other motor vehicles in a traffic accident.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the services provided.Refer to the official modifier guidelines for clarification and proper application.
Medical necessity for the treatment of injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident is generally established based on the nature and severity of the injuries sustained and the necessity of treatment to address those injuries.Documentation should clearly link the treatment to the accident and injuries.
The clinical responsibility rests on the treating physician or healthcare provider who assesses, diagnoses, and manages the driver's injuries.This includes performing examinations, ordering tests, providing treatment, and documenting the care provided.
- Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality
- V49.49XA falls under the broader category of transport accidents (V00-V99) within Chapter 20, External causes of morbidity and mortality.Specifically, it's part of the section dealing with car occupants injured in transport accidents (V40-V49).
In simple words: This code is used when a driver is hurt in a car accident where their car hits another car or cars. This is for the first time the person gets medical care for that injury.
V49.49XA is an ICD-10-CM code that describes the initial encounter for a driver sustaining injuries in a traffic accident involving a collision with other motor vehicles.This code is used to record the injury sustained by the driver, and it should be used in conjunction with codes from other chapters specifying the nature and extent of those injuries. The code does not describe the circumstances or severity of the accident itself.It's crucial to accurately document the specifics of the injuries using additional codes from relevant chapters (such as Chapter 19 for injuries, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes).
Example 1: A driver is involved in a two-car collision.They are transported to the ER with a fractured femur and multiple contusions.V49.49XA is used, along with codes specifying the fracture (S72.0XXA) and contusions (S06.9XXA)., A driver is involved in a multi-vehicle pile-up.They are initially treated at the scene for minor injuries (abrasions and lacerations) and then seek follow-up care several days later. V49.49XA would be used for the initial encounter and V49.49XD for the subsequent encounter, along with appropriate codes for the injuries., A driver is involved in a fender bender and sustains a concussion.They are seen at an urgent care facility immediately after the accident.V49.49XA is assigned along with a code for the concussion (S06.0XXA).
Thorough documentation is crucial. This should include details of the accident (e.g., type of collision, speed, vehicle damage), the driver's injuries (location, severity, treatment received), and any diagnostic tests performed (X-rays, CT scans).
** This code should only be used for the initial encounter.Subsequent encounters should use V49.49XD.Always review and adhere to the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines for accurate coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable for this diagnosis code.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Urgent Care Facility