X38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for flood, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as X38.XXXA, X38.XXXD, and X38.XXXS.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Instructional NotesGuidance
Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to X38: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 20. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.
Applicable To
Conditions this code is used for: synonyms of the title or, for "other specified" codes, the conditions assigned to it. The list is not exhaustive.
- Flood arising from remote storm
- Flood of cataclysmic nature arising from melting snow
- Flood resulting directly from storm
Excludes1
Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.
Notes
General instructions on how these codes are used.
- This chapter permits the classification of environmental events and circumstances as the cause of injury, and other adverse effects. Where a code from this section is applicable, it is intended that it shall be used secondary to a code from another chapter of the Classification indicating the nature of the condition. Most often, the condition will be classifiable to Chapter 19, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). Other conditions that may be stated to be due to external causes are classified in Chapters I to XVIII. For these conditions, codes from Chapter 20 should be used to provide additional information as to the cause of the condition.
7th Character
Every code in the category takes a 7th character from the listed values, with the placeholder X filling any empty positions before it.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code X38
- Ainitial encounter
- Dsubsequent encounter
- Ssequela
Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.
Referenced in Other NotesGuidance
Instructional notes printed at other codes that name X38, its category, or a range that includes it.
Excludes2 3
These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming X38: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.
- X37.8 Other cataclysmic stormsflood (X38)
- Block V00-V99 Transport accidents
- Block W65-W74 Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion
Code First 1
These codes say to code first a condition named in the note, and X38 is one of the conditions named.
- W20 Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
Use Additional Code 1
These codes say to use an additional code from the note, and X38 is one of the codes named.
- T71.21 Asphyxiation due to cave-in or falling earth
External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance
References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index; each main term links to its index entry.
Patient EducationClinical
Floods
Floods are common in the United States. Weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tsunamis can cause flooding. Flooding can also happen when a river or stream overflows its bank, when a levee is breached, or when a dam breaks. Flash floods, which can develop quickly, often have a dangerous wall of roaring water.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About X38Overview
What is the ICD-10 code for flood?
X38 is the ICD-10-CM category for flood, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.
Is X38 (Flood) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for flood, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for flood need a more specific code from this category, such as X38.XXXA, X38.XXXD, and X38.XXXS.
Can X38 be reported with X36.0?
Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on X38 lists "collapse of dam or man-made structure causing earth movement (X36.0)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).
