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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. V01–Y99
  4. X30-X39
  5. Cataclysmic storm (X37)

Cataclysmic storm (X37)

The ICD-10 code X37 covers cataclysmic storms, including specific natural events like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, dust storms, tidal waves, and other similar storm types. These codes capture medical encounters related to injuries or accidents caused by such extreme weather or environmental phenomena.

This coding section is used to specify the type of cataclysmic storm involved, such as X37.0 for hurricane (also known as cyclone or accident caused by high wind), X37.1 for tornado (including subtropical or tropical cyclones), and X37.2 for blizzard (snowstorm or ice storm). It also includes codes for tidal wave events linked to earthquakes or volcanic eruptions (commonly called tsunami) and tidal waves caused by storms or landslides. For each storm type, the ICD-10 system distinguishes between initial medical encounters (e.g., X37.0XXA for hurricane initial encounter), subsequent encounters, and sequela, which refer to after-effects or complications following the storm-related injury. Other cataclysmic storms, such as hailstorms, gale, thunderstorm, or torrential rain, fall under X37.8. When the storm type is unspecified, codes under X37.9 are used. These detailed classifications help ensure accurate documentation and coding of storm-related injuries and accidents in healthcare records.

Instructional Notations

7th Character Note

Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category X37

7th Character

Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela