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T14.1XXA
ICD-10-CM
Gunshot Wound

Find comprehensive information on gunshot wound diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10-CM codes for gunshot wounds), treatment protocols, and best practices for healthcare professionals. Learn about different types of gunshot wounds, initial assessment, emergency care, and long-term management. Explore resources for accurate and efficient gunshot wound documentation and coding to support optimal patient care and accurate medical records.

Also known as

GSW
Firearm Injury
ballistic trauma

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Injury caused by a projectile fired from a gun.
  • Clinical Signs : Bleeding, pain, swelling, entry and exit wounds, possible organ damage.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, trauma center, operating room.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC T14.1XXA Coding
S00-S99

Injuries to the head

Covers gunshot wounds to the head region.

T00-T98

Injuries to the thorax

Includes gunshot wounds to the chest and back.

X72-X74

Intentional self-harm

Includes gunshot wounds inflicted by oneself.

X93-Y09

Assault by firearm

Covers gunshot wounds inflicted by another person.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the gunshot wound accidental?

  • Yes

    Self-inflicted?

  • No

    Assault?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Gunshot wound
Open wound, extremity
Superficial foreign body

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Gunshot wound documentation: Entry, exit wounds
  • GSW documentation: Location, trajectory details
  • Document GSW type: Self-inflicted, accidental, assault
  • GSW severity: Superficial, penetrating, perforating
  • Bullet caliber, fragmentation: If known, document

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding gunshot wound without specifying entry/exit location leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement.

  • Late Effect Coding

    Failure to differentiate initial injury from late effects (sequelae) causes coding and billing errors.

  • Intent Misclassification

    Incorrectly coding intent (accidental, self-harm, assault) impacts legal reporting and statistical data.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document entry/exit wounds, type of firearm if known.
  • Code GSW precise location, laterality. ICD-10-CM: S70-S79, W32-W34
  • Query provider for bullet path info for CDI. CPT: 93000-93015
  • Comply with HIPAA, ensure secure documentation, data integrity.
  • Photo-document injuries. Adhere to legal chain of custody.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm entry and exit wound(s) documented, ICD-10 S01
  • Assess GSW severity: organ damage, fractures, neuro status
  • Hemodynamic stability check, hemorrhage control, blood loss volume
  • Order imaging (X-ray, CT scan) to locate projectile path, assess damage

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Gunshot wound coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for procedures like debridement, laparotomy.
  • ICD-10 S71, W32-W34 code specificity affects trauma registry data, quality metrics.
  • Accurate GSW documentation drives appropriate ER LOS, impacting hospital efficiency metrics.
  • Proper GSW coding & billing prevents claim denials, maximizes trauma center reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code entry/exit wounds
  • Specify bullet type if known
  • Document GSW complications
  • Link GSW to assault code if applicable
  • Query physician for unclear GSW details

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a gunshot wound (GSW), exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with ballistic trauma.  Entry and exit wound characteristics, if present, are documented, including location, size, and shape.  Assessment includes evaluation for hemorrhage, fractures, organ damage, and neurovascular compromise.  The patient's hemodynamic stability, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, is closely monitored.  Pain assessment using a standardized pain scale is performed and documented.  Initial management focuses on stabilizing the patient, controlling bleeding with direct pressure and or tourniquet application if indicated, and administering fluids or blood products as needed.  Advanced trauma life support protocols are followed.  Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasound may be ordered to assess the extent of injuries.  Surgical intervention may be necessary depending on the location and severity of the GSW.  The wound is cleaned and dressed appropriately.  Tetanus prophylaxis is administered as indicated.  Patient education includes wound care instructions, pain management strategies, and follow-up appointments.  ICD-10 codes for gunshot wound, open wound,  penetrating trauma, and other related diagnoses are applied.  CPT codes for wound debridement, wound closure, and other procedures are documented for billing purposes.  The mechanism of injury, including the type of firearm if known, is documented.  Forensic evidence collection is performed as per protocol.  Consultations with specialists such as trauma surgery, orthopedics, or neurosurgery are documented.  Discharge planning includes referrals to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological support as indicated.  The patient's prognosis is discussed with the patient and or family.
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