2025 ICD-10-CM code W16.211A
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Accidental Injury - Falls Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality Feed
Fall into a filled bathtub resulting in drowning and submersion, initial encounter.
Medical necessity for this code is established by the diagnosis of drowning and submersion as a direct result of a fall in a filled bathtub. This event requires immediate intervention to address respiratory distress, possible trauma, and potential long-term complications. The documentation must support the causal relationship between the fall and the resulting drowning and submersion.
The clinical responsibility encompasses the initial assessment, resuscitation efforts (if necessary), diagnosis of drowning, and treatment of any associated injuries. This might involve emergency medicine physicians, intensive care specialists, or other relevant medical professionals depending on the severity.
- Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality
- W16.211A falls under the broader category of accidental injuries involving falls (W00-W19) and more specifically, falls in or into water (W16).
In simple words: A fall into a full bathtub that causes drowning, recorded on the first visit for treatment.
This code classifies the initial encounter of a fall into a filled bathtub that leads to drowning and submersion.It is crucial to differentiate this from falls into empty bathtubs or drowning/submersion incidents without a preceding fall.The code specifically addresses the initial episode of this event; subsequent encounters or sequelae require different codes.
Example 1: A 70-year-old patient slips in a filled bathtub, hitting their head on the faucet, resulting in unconsciousness and subsequent drowning.The initial encounter is coded as W16.211A.Any subsequent care will require different codes. , A child falls into a filled bathtub during bath time, submerging completely and experiencing respiratory distress.This scenario would also be coded as W16.211A, alongside codes describing any resulting injuries or conditions., An individual with a pre-existing neurological condition falls into a filled bathtub during a seizure, resulting in drowning. This again would be coded as W16.211A, while other codes will capture the neurological condition and related factors.
Comprehensive documentation is needed including the circumstances surrounding the fall (e.g., slippery surface, medical condition contributing to the fall), the events leading to submersion, resuscitation attempts, assessment of injuries, and the patient's initial condition.Detailed descriptions of the patient's presentation upon arrival at the healthcare setting, procedures performed, medications administered, and the patient's response to treatment must be included.Laboratory results and imaging reports must also be included.
** This code is very specific.Accurate coding relies on precise documentation of the circumstances surrounding the fall and the resulting drowning.It is crucial to differentiate this from cases where drowning occurs without a fall.Consult the official ICD-10-CM manual for the most current and comprehensive guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital