2025 ICD-10-CM code W34.01
(Active) Effective Date: N/A External causes of morbidity - Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces 20 Feed
Accidental discharge of gas, air, or spring-operated guns.
Medical necessity for services related to W34.01 is established by the need for evaluation and treatment of the injuries sustained due to the accidental discharge.The required treatment depends on the severity and type of injuries and may range from first aid and wound care to surgical interventions.
The clinical responsibility for this code rests on healthcare professionals encountering a patient injured by accidental discharge of gas, air or spring-operated guns. Proper documentation of the circumstances of the event and the nature of the injuries is crucial. The physician is responsible to ensure the patient gets appropriate care based on the specific injuries and their severity. Reporting to relevant authorities may also be part of the clinical responsibility, depending on local regulations and the nature of the incident.
- 20
- Accidents (V00-X58)Other external causes of accidental injury (W00-X58)Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)
In simple words: This code indicates an accidental injury caused by a gas, air, or spring-loaded gun going off unexpectedly.
Accidental discharge of gas, air or spring-operated guns. This code describes an accidental injury resulting from the discharge of a gas, air, or spring-operated gun. It excludes injuries from assault, contact with animals or people, military operations, and self-harm.
Example 1: A 10-year-old boy is brought to the emergency room after accidentally shooting himself in the foot with a BB gun. The discharge was unintentional, and the injury is treated accordingly., A young woman presents to her physician with a minor eye injury after a compressed air canister malfunctioned while she was inflating a tire. The air gun discharged unexpectedly causing the injury., A man is hunting birds with an air rifle. When climbing over a fence he stumbles and the rifle discharges, resulting in a pellet lodging in his leg. He presents for removal of the pellet.
Documentation should clearly indicate the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge, the type of gun involved (BB gun, pellet gun, air rifle, etc.), the nature and location of the injury, and any treatment provided.Mention any foreign bodies involved (like pellets or BBs) and their removal, if applicable.
** This code specifically refers to *accidental* discharge; if the discharge was intentional (e.g., assault, self-harm), different codes apply.Always ensure the documentation clearly establishes the unintentional nature of the event.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Trauma Surgery, Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility