Wiki External Cause Codes "Work status at time of event specified as:

[vvcook@icloud.com]

Hi,

Is the work status external cause code required for correct coding even when an encounter does not specify work status, volunteer activity, student activity etc. etc. ? When such things are specified I code, however, for example, if a baby has a fall, would y99.9 be required for "correct coding".


Thanks
V. Cook, CPC

 

[Chelle-Lynn]

The ICD-10-CM guidelines state:

• There is no national requirement formandatory ICD-10-CM external cause code reporting.
• Unless a provider is subject to a state-based externalcause code reporting mandate or these codes are required by a particular payer, reporting of ICD-10-CM codesin Chapter 20, External Causes of Morbidity, is not required.
• In the absence of a mandatory reportingrequirement, providers are encouraged to voluntarily report external cause codes, as they provide valuable datafor injury research and evaluation of injury prevention strategies.

Some payers may require this information, particularly for injuries. Therefore, it is good practice to include thedetails these codes can provide when submitting claims data. While not required, these codes allow payers to get the full picture and help tracking systems understand otherconditions and correlated activities that may have contributed to the injury or condition. In the circumstances noted this may be an opportunity to review with the provider that the situation surrounding the fall would be help when coding the account and allow the carrier to understand the full injury.

In summary it is recommended that you code all the information that is relevant andknown or required by payers or state mandate.