2025 ICD-10-CM code W21

Striking against or struck by sports equipment.

This code should be used as a secondary code to supplement the injury code (from Chapter 19) and should never be the principal diagnosis.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the encounter and the services rendered.Consult appropriate modifier guidelines.

The medical necessity for treatment related to injuries sustained from striking against or being struck by sports equipment would typically be supported by the severity and nature of the injury, the need for immediate medical attention, and the physician's plan of care.

The clinical responsibility for coding W21 rests with the healthcare provider documenting the patient encounter.Accurate documentation of the injury mechanism, including the specific type of sports equipment involved and the nature of the impact, is crucial for appropriate code assignment.

IMPORTANT Excludes1: assault with sports equipment (Y08.0-), striking against or struck by sports equipment with subsequent fall (W18.01)

In simple words: This code is used when someone is hurt by being hit by or hitting sports equipment, like a ball, bat, or hockey stick.It does not include situations where someone intentionally hurts another person with sports equipment.

This ICD-10-CM code classifies injuries resulting from contact with or being struck by sports equipment.It excludes assaults involving sports equipment (coded elsewhere), injuries involving a subsequent fall, and other specified circumstances.

Example 1: A baseball player is hit by a line drive, resulting in a fractured clavicle., A soccer player collides with another player, sustaining a concussion from a head impact with a knee., A hockey player is struck by a puck, causing a laceration requiring stitches.

Detailed description of the incident, including the type of sport, the specific sports equipment involved, the nature of the impact (e.g., direct hit, collision), location of injury, and the extent of the injury.Imaging reports (x-rays, CT scans) if applicable.Physician's assessment and diagnosis.

** Always ensure that the seventh character (A, D, or S) is appended to the code to indicate the encounter (initial, subsequent, or sequela).

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Emergency Medicine
  • Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Inpatient
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