2025 ICD-10-CM code W34.110

Accidental malfunction of airgun.

This code should be used as a secondary code to a code from another chapter indicating the nature of the injury or condition. A 7th character is required to indicate the encounter type (initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela).

Applicable 7th character extensions exist for this code to specify the encounter type (e.g., A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter, S for sequela).Refer to official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for appropriate usage.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of an injury or adverse effect due to the airgun malfunction. The documentation should clearly link the malfunction to the patient's condition and justify the need for medical intervention.

The clinical responsibility for this code lies in documenting the circumstances of the airgun malfunction and any resulting injuries or adverse effects.This includes a detailed description of the event, the type of airgun involved, and the specific malfunction that occurred.Clinicians should also document the extent and nature of any injuries sustained, including the affected body parts, the type of injury (e.g., laceration, fracture, internal injury), and the severity of the injury.Further documentation should include any diagnostic tests performed (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) and treatments administered.

In simple words: An airgun, BB gun, or pellet gun accidentally malfunctioned, potentially causing injury.

Accidental malfunction of airgun, BB gun, or pellet gun.

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with a hand injury after their airgun malfunctioned while they were attempting to load it. The malfunction caused the airgun to discharge unexpectedly, resulting in a laceration to the patient's hand., A child is brought to the clinic by their parent after being struck in the eye by a projectile from a malfunctioning BB gun. The BB gun unexpectedly fired when the child was handling it, resulting in corneal abrasion., A patient is treated for facial injuries after their pellet gun malfunctioned during target practice.The malfunction caused the pellet gun to explode, resulting in burns and lacerations to the patient's face.

Documentation should include the type of airgun, the nature of the malfunction, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and a detailed description of any resulting injuries. Diagnostic tests and treatment provided should also be documented.

** This code specifically refers to accidental malfunctions of airguns. Intentional misuse or assault involving airguns would be coded differently.

  • Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Trauma Surgery
  • Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital,Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home
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