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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. V01–Y99
  4. X92-Y09
  5. Assault by unspecified means (Y09)

Assault by unspecified means (Y09)

The ICD-10 code Y09 is used to classify injuries resulting from an assault by unspecified means. This code applies when the exact method of assault is unknown or not documented.

Y09 covers a wide range of assault-related incidents where the manner of attack is unclear, including cases commonly referred to as assault and battery, homicide, or manslaughter. It is particularly useful for coding situations involving physical harm caused by another person when details about the assault’s nature; such as the weapon or method used; are not provided. Medical coders and healthcare professionals can rely on this ICD-10 code for injuries linked to violent acts like murder, killing, or battering when specific assault mechanisms cannot be determined. Synonyms like "homicide," "assault and battery," and "traumatic injury due to assault" help clarify that Y09 applies broadly to violent encounters without exact cause details, making this code essential for documenting serious harm from unspecified assaults in clinical and legal records.

Instructional Notations

Inclusion Terms

These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.

  • Assassination (attempted) NOS
  • Homicide (attempted) NOS
  • Manslaughter (attempted) NOS
  • Murder (attempted) NOS

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Animal Experimentation

The use of animals as investigational subjects.

Euthanasia

The act or practice of killing or allowing death from natural causes, for reasons of mercy, i.e., in order to release a person from incurable disease, intolerable suffering, or undignified death. (from Beauchamp and Walters, Contemporary Issues in Bioethics, 5th ed)

Euthanasia, Active

The act or practice of killing for reasons of mercy, i.e., in order to release a person or animal from incurable disease, intolerable suffering, or undignified death. (from Beauchamp and Walters, Contemporary Issues in Bioethics, 5th ed)

Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary

Active euthanasia of a patient at the patient's request and/or with the patient's consent.

Euthanasia, Animal

The killing of animals for reasons of mercy, to control disease transmission or maintain the health of animal populations, or for experimental purposes (ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION).

Euthanasia, Involuntary

The act or practice of killing or withholding life-sustaining treatment from a person with a medical condition, especially PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, without INFORMED CONSENT, despite the MENTAL COMPETENCY of the person to give consent.

Euthanasia, Passive

Failing to prevent death from natural causes, for reasons of mercy by the withdrawal or withholding of life-prolonging treatment.

Homicide

The killing of one person by another.

Infanticide

The killing of infants at birth or soon after.