1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. V01–Y99
  4. W65-W74
  5. Other specified cause of accidental non-transport drowning and submersion (W73)

Other specified cause of accidental non-transport drowning and submersion (W73)

The ICD-10 code W73 category is used for identifying cases of accidental drowning and submersion that occur outside of transportation incidents, covering various unusual and recreational situations. This includes initial, subsequent, and sequela encounters related to such events.

The codes under W73 specifically capture "other specified causes" of accidental drowning when not related to transport accidents. This code is important for medical professionals and coders to document incidents like drowning in liquids other than water, during activities such as water skiing, surfboarding, ice skating, swimming, or even underwater work like marine salvage or construction. For example, terms like "accidental drowning or immersion while windsurfing" or "drowning during placement of fishing nets" are included and correlate with this code. The ICD-10 code for accidental non-transport drowning helps clarify these varied scenarios, distinguishing them from more common drowning codes related to transportation or recreational diving with equipment. Accurate coding with W73 and its extensions (W73.XXXA for initial encounters, W73.XXXD for subsequent encounters, and W73.XXXS for sequela) ensures proper classification of these less common drowning events in healthcare 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.

  • Accidental drowning and submersion while in quenching tank
  • Accidental drowning and submersion while in reservoir

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

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 W73

7th Character

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

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

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.

Drowning

Death that occurs as a result of anoxia or heart arrest, associated with immersion in liquid.

Near Drowning

Non-fatal immersion or submersion in water. The subject is resuscitable.