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ICD-10 Coding for Contact with Knife(W26.0XXA)

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

Also known as:

Knife InjuryCut by KnifeKnife Wound

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Contact with Knife

W26.0Primary Range

Contact with knife

This range is used for coding injuries resulting from accidental contact with a knife.

Injuries to specific body parts

These codes are used to specify the type and location of the injury caused by the knife.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for contact with knife

Essential facts and insights about Contact with Knife

The ICD-10 code for contact with a knife is W26.0XXA for the initial encounter. It is used when the injury is accidental and involves a non-electric knife.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for contact with knife

Contact with knife, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Accidental contact with a non-electric knife

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed wound description and encounter type

Applicable To

  • Accidental contact with knife

Excludes

  • Contact with electric knife (W29.1)
  • Embedded foreign body (W45.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Detailed description of the injury mechanism
  • Confirmation of no retained foreign body
  • Documentation of encounter type

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with assault-related codes
  • Incorrect encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of knife and context of injury.

Ancillary Codes

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

Laceration with foreign body, right lower leg, initial encounter

S81.812A
Use to specify the type and location of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Contact with electric knife

W29.1
Use when the injury involves an electric knife.

Assault by sharp object

X99
Use when the injury is intentional or assault-related.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Contact with Knife to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code W26.0XXA.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment tracking, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate injury data in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use W29.1 for electric knife-related injuries.

Impact

Using W26.0 for non-knife related injuries.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on proper code selection criteria.

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 Contact with Knife, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Contact with Knife

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

Emergency Department Visit for Knife Injury

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Wound description
  • Foreign body status
  • Tetanus status

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 4 cm laceration on the right forearm caused by a kitchen knife during food preparation. No foreign body present. Tetanus booster given.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cut on arm
Good Documentation Example
4 cm laceration on right forearm, no foreign body, caused by kitchen knife during food preparation.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed information necessary for accurate coding and treatment.

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

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