2025 ICD-10-CM code X99

Assault by a sharp object.

Use this code as a secondary code to describe the external cause of the injury.The primary code should describe the nature of the injury itself.This code should only be used if an assault involving a sharp object is confirmed. If the specific type of sharp object is known, use the more specific code (e.g., X99.0, X99.1, X99.2, etc.).

The medical necessity is established by the presence of injuries resulting from the assault, requiring medical intervention.The documentation should clearly link the injuries to the assault.

Documentation of the assault and the resulting injuries.This would typically involve recording details of the assault (e.g., weapon used, assailant's description), and a thorough examination of the injuries sustained.

IMPORTANT X99.0: Assault by sharp glass; X99.1: Assault by knife; X99.2: Assault by sword or dagger; X99.8: Assault by other sharp object.Note that these are more specific codes that should be used if the type of sharp object is known.If the specific sharp object is unknown, X99 is the appropriate code.

In simple words: This code is used when someone is hurt in an attack involving a sharp object, like a knife or broken glass.It tells the doctor how the injury happened, not exactly what kind of injury it is. This code would be used along with a code that explains the specific injury.

This ICD-10-CM code classifies assaults resulting from injuries inflicted by a sharp object.It is used as a secondary code to specify the external cause of injury, following a primary code describing the nature of the injury itself (usually found in Chapter 19, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)).This code is not to be used to describe the injury itself, only the external cause.The code includes homicides caused by sharp objects.Excludes injuries due to legal intervention (Y35.-), operations of war (Y36.-), and terrorism (Y38.-).

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with multiple stab wounds to the abdomen, sustained during a robbery.Code X99.1 (Assault by knife) would be used secondarily to the codes describing the specific injuries and their complications., A patient is brought in after being attacked with a broken bottle.Code X99.0 (Assault by sharp glass) is used in addition to the codes describing the lacerations and any related complications., A victim of a home invasion has a deep cut on their arm from an unknown sharp object. Code X99 is used as the secondary code since the specific type of sharp object used is not known.The primary code should describe the nature of the laceration, and potential complications.

Detailed description of the assault, including the weapon used (if known), and the nature and location of the injuries.Photographs and other visual documentation may also be helpful.

** This code is part of the broader category of assault codes (X92-Y09) within the ICD-10-CM classification system.Always ensure that the appropriate primary code for the injury itself is used in conjunction with this code.Detailed documentation is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.