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  5. Handgun discharge, undetermined intent (Y22)

Handgun discharge, undetermined intent (Y22)

ICD-10 code Y22 is specifically used to classify injuries caused by a handgun discharge when the intent behind the injury is not clear. This category covers initial treatment, follow-up care, and any long-term effects related to such injuries.

The codes in this section, including Y22.XXXA for initial encounters, Y22.XXXD for subsequent encounters, and Y22.XXXS for sequela, help medical coders precisely document injuries sustained from a handgun discharge with undetermined intent. These codes are essential when the circumstances surrounding the injury are unclear or unknown, sometimes referred to as “injury of unknown intent by handgun” or “injury of unknown intent by firearms and explosives.” Proper use of these codes ensures accurate reporting of firearm-related injuries when the intent; whether accidental, self-inflicted, or assault; is not established. This detailed classification aids healthcare providers and coders in capturing the complexity of such cases in medical records, billing, and injury surveillance systems.

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.

  • Discharge of gun for single hand use, undetermined intent
  • Discharge of pistol, undetermined intent
  • Discharge of revolver, undetermined intent

Type 2 Excludes

A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.

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 Y22

7th Character

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

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