2025 ICD-10-CM code Y24.8
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A External causes of morbidity - Event of undetermined intent Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality Feed
Other firearm discharge, undetermined intent.
Modifiers may be applicable to the primary injury code depending on the circumstances of the injury.
The medical necessity is established by the presence of an injury requiring medical attention directly attributable to the firearm discharge.The documentation must support the clinical rationale for the treatment provided.
The clinical responsibility would involve documenting the injury sustained, the circumstances of the event, and the assessment of the patient's condition.This necessitates a thorough physical examination, appropriate imaging, wound care and monitoring of the patient’s vital signs.Treatment will depend on the severity and location of the injuries sustained.The physician will also determine if any ongoing monitoring, such as physiotherapy, will be required.
- Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity and mortality
- Y24-Y25: Discharge of firearms, explosives, and other weapons
In simple words: This code is used when someone is hurt by a gun, but it's not clear if it was an accident, on purpose, or if we just don't know.
This code classifies other firearm discharges where the intent (accidental, intentional, or undetermined) cannot be definitively established.It encompasses incidents involving various firearms not specifically listed elsewhere, such as paintball guns or very pistols (flares), where the intent remains unclear.This code is secondary to a code from another chapter specifying the nature of the injury or condition resulting from the firearm discharge.
Example 1: A child accidentally discharges a pellet gun, resulting in a superficial wound to the arm.Code Y24.8 is used secondary to a code describing the injury (e.g., S00.00XA)., An individual is injured during a hunting accident involving a shotgun, but there is insufficient information to determine intent.Code Y24.8 is used in addition to a code for the injury sustained from the shotgun blast., During a historical reenactment, a blank-firing pistol unintentionally discharges, causing minor burns to the face.Again, Y24.8 is applied in conjunction with codes from chapter 19 illustrating the burns.
Detailed description of the event, including the type of firearm, circumstances surrounding the discharge, and the patient's statements if possible.Comprehensive documentation of the injury sustained, including location, severity, and treatment rendered. Imaging reports (x-rays, CT scans) if relevant.
** This code is used in conjunction with codes from Chapter 19 to provide a complete picture of the event and its consequences. The information provided here is for general guidance only and should not be considered exhaustive.Always consult the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines for the most accurate coding practices.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this code, as it describes the external cause, not the procedural component.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery, General Surgery, Forensic Medicine
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital