2025 ICD-10-CM code W50.4XXA

Accidental scratch by another person, initial encounter.

The code should be used as a secondary code to a code from another chapter indicating the nature of the condition (e.g., a code from Chapter 19 for the injury itself).

Medical necessity is established by the need for assessment and treatment of the accidental scratch to prevent complications such as infection.

The healthcare provider is responsible for documenting the circumstances of the accidental injury, assessing the severity of the scratch, and providing appropriate treatment, which may include cleaning the wound, applying bandages, or prescribing pain relief.

In simple words: This code is used when someone is seen by a healthcare professional for the first time after being accidentally scratched by another person.

Accidental scratch by another person, initial encounter. This code describes an injury resulting from a scratch inflicted by another person, documented at the initial encounter.

Example 1: A child playing with a friend is accidentally scratched on the arm. The parent brings the child to the doctor's office the same day for evaluation and treatment., During a basketball game, a player accidentally scratches another player's face. The injured player is seen by the team's medical staff immediately after the incident., A person accidentally scratches their partner while playing with a pet. The scratched individual seeks medical attention at an urgent care clinic the next day due to increased pain and redness around the wound.

Documentation should include the cause of the injury (accidental scratch by another person), the location and size of the scratch, the presence of any foreign bodies in the wound, and any associated signs and symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or swelling.

** This code specifically refers to an accidental scratch.For scratches inflicted intentionally (assault), use codes from the Y04 category.If the scratch results from contact with an animal, refer to codes W55-W64.

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