2025 ICD-10-CM code X39
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A External causes of morbidity - Exposure to forces of nature Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality Feed
Exposure to other unspecified forces of nature.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances and the codes used in conjunction with X39. Consult the official coding guidelines for specific modifier usage.
The medical necessity is determined by the resulting injury or illness. The documentation must support the necessity of treatment based on the severity and nature of the condition.
The clinical responsibility depends on the nature of the injury or illness caused by the exposure.This could involve a range of specialists, from emergency medicine physicians to orthopedic surgeons, depending on the specifics of the event and resulting injuries.
- Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality
- V01-Y98 > V01-X59 > W00-X59 > X30-X39
In simple words: This code is used when someone is hurt or made ill by a natural event that isn't specifically listed in the medical codes, like a very unusual weather event or a natural disaster.
This code classifies exposure to other forces of nature not specified elsewhere in the ICD-10-CM classification.It's crucial to note that this code describes the circumstance causing an injury or other adverse effect, not the nature of the injury itself.Therefore, it is always used secondary to a code from another chapter specifying the resulting condition (e.g., Chapter 19 for injuries).
Example 1: A hiker is injured by a falling rock during a sudden rockslide.X39 would be used in conjunction with codes from Chapter 19 to describe the specific injuries sustained. , A person is injured due to an unusual, uncategorized weather phenomenon, causing a severe fall and subsequent fractures. X39 would be secondary to the injury codes from Chapter 19. , A patient presents with hypothermia after being caught in a severe and unusual blizzard. X39 would be used secondary to the code describing the hypothermia.
Detailed description of the natural event, including date, time, location, and environmental conditions. Comprehensive documentation of the resulting injuries or illnesses, including diagnostic tests, treatment administered, and patient's response to treatment.
** This code is intended for circumstances where a more specific code from the X30-X38 range is unavailable. Ensure thorough documentation to support the use of this code.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine (depending on resulting condition)
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Office, Outpatient Hospital, Other Place of Service