Unspecified fall (W19)
The ICD-10 code W19 covers all cases of unspecified falls, serving as the primary code when the exact nature of the fall is not detailed. This includes initial treatments, follow-up care, and complications from previous falls.
These codes are used to document incidents described by terms such as "accidental fall," "fall due to loss of equilibrium," or "falling injury," which may result in conditions like facial fractures or bone fractures. Variations like W19.XXXA indicate an initial encounter for an unspecified fall, while W19.XXXD refers to a subsequent encounter during continued care. The W19.XXXS code captures sequelae, meaning long-term effects following the fall. Medical coders use these codes to classify falls occurring in various settings; from homes to construction sites; and related injuries, even when specifics like mechanism or location aren't provided. Understanding the ICD-10 code for unspecified fall helps ensure accurate recording when the exact circumstances aren’t otherwise specified, aiding in proper health documentation and reporting.
External causes of morbidity and mortality (V01–Y99)
Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls (W00-W19)
W19 Unspecified fall
- W19.XXXA Unspecified fall, initial encounter
- W19.XXXD Unspecified fall, subsequent encounter
- W19.XXXS Unspecified fall, sequela
Unspecified fall (W19)
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 fall NOS
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 W19
7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
