2025 ICD-10-CM code V90.21XA

Drowning and submersion due to falling or jumping from a burning passenger ship, initial encounter.

Use secondary codes to identify any injuries sustained due to the fire or the drowning/submersion incident. This code should be used in conjunction with codes from other chapters to specify the nature of the condition caused by the external event.

The medical necessity for this code is established by the circumstances of the event, such as the presence of a burning passenger ship and the resulting need for the individual to enter the water. The documentation should support the diagnosis and the medical services provided.

Clinicians should document the circumstances of the event, including whether the patient fell or jumped from the vessel, any injuries sustained, and the treatment provided.

In simple words: This code is used when someone drowns or nearly drowns after falling or jumping off a burning passenger ship. It's specifically for the first time they're seen for this event.

This code describes a scenario where a person experiences drowning or submersion as a result of falling or jumping from a passenger ship that is on fire.This is the initial encounter for this specific incident.

Example 1: A passenger on a burning ferry jumps overboard to escape the flames and is subsequently rescued from the water, experiencing non-fatal drowning., A crew member on a burning cruise ship falls overboard during evacuation efforts and is later found unconscious, having suffered submersion injuries., During a fire on a passenger ship, an individual panics and jumps into the water, resulting in near-drowning and requiring immediate medical attention.

Documentation should clearly indicate the cause of the drowning or submersion (falling or jumping from a burning passenger ship), the type of watercraft involved (passenger ship), and that this is the initial encounter for this specific event. Any related injuries or conditions should also be documented.

** This code is exempt from the Present on Admission (POA) reporting requirement.

  • Payment Status: Billable/Specific Code
  • Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulance - Land, Ambulance - Air or Water
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