2025 ICD-10-CM code W18.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A External causes of morbidity - Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls 20 Feed
Slipping, tripping, and stumbling without falling.
Medical necessity for this code is determined by the presence of any documented symptoms, injuries, or subsequent treatment directly resulting from the near-fall event.
Clinicians should document the circumstances that led to the near-fall event.
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- Accidents (V00-X58)Other external causes of accidental injury (W00-X58)Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls (W00-W19)
In simple words: This code is used when someone slips, trips, or stumbles but doesn't actually fall down.
Slipping, tripping, and stumbling without falling. This code describes an incident where a person slips, trips, or stumbles but does not fall.
Example 1: A patient slipped on a wet floor in a grocery store but managed to catch themselves before falling., A patient tripped over a rug in their home but maintained their balance and did not fall., An individual stumbled while walking on an uneven sidewalk, but regained their balance without falling.
The documentation should describe the event and any contributing factors, such as environmental hazards.It should also note whether any injuries were sustained as a result of the near-fall.If the patient did experience any symptoms or require any treatment, that should be documented as well.
** Excludes1: collision with another person without fall (W51)Excludes2: at risk for fall (history of fall) Z91.81, fall (in) (from) burning building (X00.-), fall into fire (X00-X04, X08)