2025 ICD-10-CM code W86
Exposure to other specified electric current.
Modifiers are generally not applicable to external cause codes like W86.The primary diagnosis code would be the target for any applicable modifiers.
The medical necessity for using W86 is to provide additional information about the cause of the injury or condition resulting from the exposure to electric current. This information is essential for statistical tracking, injury prevention strategies, and potentially for insurance claims processing.
The clinical responsibility for this code lies in documenting the circumstances surrounding the exposure to electricity.It's crucial to specify the source of the electric current, the duration of exposure, and any immediate symptoms or injuries observed. Since W86 is a supplementary code, the provider should also document the primary diagnosis that resulted from the electrical exposure, such as burns, cardiac arrhythmias, or neurological complications.
In simple words: Exposure to a specific electric current source not otherwise categorized, such as faulty wiring or a high-voltage power line.
Exposure to other specified electric current.
Example 1: A patient presents with burns after contacting a downed power line. The primary diagnosis is a burn injury (e.g., T22.2-), and W86 is used to specify the source of the injury., An electrician experiences muscle spasms after accidentally touching a live wire while working. The primary diagnosis would be muscle spasms (e.g., R25.2), and W86 would indicate the cause as exposure to a specific electric current., A child receives an electric shock from a malfunctioning household appliance. The primary diagnosis may be electrocution (T75.4), and W86 can specify the source, helping identify potential hazards.
Documentation should detail the source of the electric current, the estimated voltage, and the duration of exposure.Any loss of consciousness, cardiac or neurological symptoms, or associated injuries should also be recorded. The documentation should support both the primary diagnosis resulting from the electric shock and the use of W86 as the secondary code.
** This code should not be used for exposure to lightning (T75.0-), natural electricity (X39), or for electrical occurrences during a medical procedure (Y63.2-Y63.5). Remember to consult iFrameAI for the most up-to-date information and coding guidelines.
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Occupational Medicine, potentially any specialty depending on the context of injury.
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Home, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Place of Employment - Worksite, Other Place of Service.