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  3. V01–Y99
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  5. Explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices (W38)

Explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices (W38)

The ICD-10 code W38 is used to classify injuries caused by the explosion or rupture of specified pressurized devices, such as pressure cookers or pressure vessels. It captures events ranging from initial injury to later encounters and long-term effects.

This section includes specific codes like W38.XXXA for the initial encounter after an accident caused by an explosion of a pressure vessel or pressure cooker, W38.XXXD for subsequent care visits related to this injury, and W38.XXXS for sequela, indicating complications or conditions that arise as a direct consequence of the initial explosion. Using these codes helps medical coders accurately record and differentiate the stages of treatment following such accidents. Recognizing terms like "accident caused by explosion of pressure cooker" or "pressure vessel explosion" directs coders toward this specific ICD-10 code category, ensuring precise documentation of these uncommon but hazardous injury events.

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 code W38

7th Character

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

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