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ICD-10 Coding for History of Gunshot Wound(Z87.818, Z18.01)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Gunshot Wound. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

GSW HistoryPast Gunshot Injury

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Gunshot Wound

Z87.81-Z87.89Primary Range

Personal history of other specified conditions

This range includes codes for personal history of injuries, including gunshot wounds, which are no longer active but have potential long-term effects.

Retained foreign body fragments

This range is used when there are retained bullet fragments from a gunshot wound.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z87.818Personal history of other specified injuriesUse when documenting a past gunshot wound that no longer requires active treatment.
  • Documented history of a gunshot wound
  • No active treatment required for the wound
Z18.01Retained metal fragmentsUse when there are retained bullet fragments from a past gunshot wound.
  • Imaging showing retained metal fragments

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 history of gunshot wound

Essential facts and insights about History of Gunshot Wound

The ICD-10 code for a history of gunshot wound is Z87.818, used for documenting past injuries.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of gunshot wound

Personal history of other specified injuries
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • No active treatment required for the gunshot wound.

Applicable To

  • History of gunshot wound

Excludes

  • Current injury or active treatment

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented history of a gunshot wound
  • No active treatment required for the wound

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as an active injury

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the gunshot wound is historical and not currently treated.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retained metal fragments

Z18.01
Use if there are retained bullet fragments from the gunshot wound.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified injury

T14.91
Use T14.91 for unspecified injuries that are currently being treated.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Gunshot Wound to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z87.818.

Impact

Clinical: May affect understanding of potential complications., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims if intent affects treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Include intent in initial documentation, Review police or forensic reports if available

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient history records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z87.818 for historical gunshot wounds.

Impact

Using active injury codes for historical injuries.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on ICD-10 coding updates.

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 History of Gunshot Wound, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Gunshot Wound

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Gunshot Wound. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Follow-up for historical gunshot wound

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Date of original injury
  • Current status of the wound
  • Presence of any retained fragments

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
GSW history.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has a history of a gunshot wound to the abdomen in 2020, no current complications.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the location and current status of the wound.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Gunshot Wound? Ask your questions below.

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