2025 ICD-10-CM code W54.0XXA

This ICD-10 code signifies an initial encounter resulting from a dog bite.

The code should be used in conjunction with codes that specify the nature of the injury from the dog bite. It should also be used only for the initial encounter. Subsequent encounters should use the appropriate seventh character to indicate the encounter type.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a dog bite injury that requires medical attention. This includes assessment for infection, wound care, possible surgical repair (if needed), prophylactic antibiotic treatment, and tetanus prophylaxis administration.The medical necessity is determined based on clinical judgment and the severity of the injury.

The clinical responsibility includes evaluating the patient, cleaning the wound, administering necessary prophylactic antibiotics (if indicated), potentially performing wound repair (sutures, etc.), administering tetanus prophylaxis, and managing pain.The physician should also assess for any potential complications like infection or rabies.

IMPORTANT Related codes may include those specifying the nature of the injury (e.g., lacerations, infections), and additional codes might be necessary to reflect complications or subsequent encounters.

In simple words: This code is used when someone is bitten by a dog for the first time.The doctor will use this code along with another code to describe the type of injury from the bite.

W54.0XXA is an ICD-10-CM code representing the initial encounter of a dog bite injury.This code is used to classify injuries caused by nonvenomous dog bites.It's crucial to note that this code is used secondary to another ICD-10-CM code that specifies the nature of the injury (e.g., laceration, infection), reflecting the injury sustained from the bite. The seventh character 'A' indicates the initial encounter, allowing for tracking of subsequent encounters.

Example 1: A 5-year-old child is bitten on the hand by a neighbor's dog, resulting in a 2cm laceration.The wound is cleaned, sutured, and prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed. W54.0XXA is used alongside a code for the laceration., A 30-year-old adult sustains a dog bite to the leg while walking their own dog. The wound is cleaned, and the patient is observed for signs of infection. W54.0XXA is coded along with a code reflecting the type of injury., A 70-year-old patient is bitten on the arm by their pet dog, resulting in a deep puncture wound and significant bleeding requiring urgent care. The wound is cleaned, explored, and tetanus prophylaxis is administered.Further codes will be necessary to reflect the severity and treatment of the injury.

Complete documentation should include details of the patient encounter, description of the injury (location, size, depth, etc.), treatment administered (wound cleaning, closure, antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis), patient's history (e.g., allergies, tetanus status), and assessment for complications.

** This code is part of the ICD-10-CM coding system and is subject to regular updates. Always refer to the latest official ICD-10-CM guidelines for accurate coding practices.The corresponding ICD-9 code is E906.0.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery
  • Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility
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