Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Assault(T74.12XA, Y07.03)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Assault. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Physical abuseBatteryViolent attack

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Assault

T74-T76Primary Range

Codes for maltreatment syndromes

These codes are used for confirmed and suspected cases of abuse and neglect.

Codes for external causes of injury and perpetrator

These codes specify the mechanism of assault and the relationship to the perpetrator.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T74.12XAAdult physical abuse, confirmed, initial encounterUse when abuse is confirmed by a healthcare provider or legal authority.
  • Documented confirmation of abuse by clinical or legal evaluation
  • Corroborating evidence such as police or CPS reports
Y07.03Perpetrator of maltreatment and neglect, male partnerUse when the perpetrator is identified as a male partner.
  • Documentation of the perpetrator's relationship to the victim

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for confirmed assault

Essential facts and insights about Assault

The ICD-10 code for confirmed adult physical abuse is T74.12XA, used when abuse is confirmed by clinical or legal evaluation.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for assault

Adult physical abuse, confirmed, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit confirmation of abuse in the medical record

Applicable To

  • Confirmed adult physical abuse

Excludes

  • Suspected adult physical abuse (T76.12XA)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented confirmation of abuse by clinical or legal evaluation
  • Corroborating evidence such as police or CPS reports

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if documentation does not explicitly confirm abuse

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states 'confirmed' abuse to use this code.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Assault by striking with fist, initial encounter

Y04.2XXA
Use to specify the mechanism of assault in confirmed cases.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Adult physical abuse, suspected, initial encounter

T76.12XA
Use when abuse is suspected but not confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Assault to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T74.12XA.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask and document the relationship of the perpetrator, Use structured templates for assault cases

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on abuse cases.

Mitigation Strategy

Always sequence T74.1- codes first when abuse is confirmed.

Impact

Improper sequencing can lead to audit flags and reimbursement issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on correct sequencing rules for abuse cases.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Assault, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Assault

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Assault. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit for Assault

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination findings
  • Confirmation of abuse
  • Injury details
  • Perpetrator information

Example Documentation

Patient reports being struck by partner, resulting in bruising. Confirmed abuse by CPS. Injury: contusion on left arm.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient states boyfriend pushed her.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports being thrown against wall by live-in partner resulting in left humerus fracture. Confirmed intimate partner violence per SANE exam findings.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details and confirms the abuse, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Assault? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more