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
Injuries to the head
Covers gunshot wounds to the head region.
Injuries to the thorax
Includes gunshot wounds to the chest and back.
Intentional self-harm
Includes gunshot wounds inflicted by oneself.
Assault by firearm
Covers gunshot wounds inflicted by another person.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the gunshot wound accidental?
Yes
Self-inflicted?
No
Assault?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Gunshot wound |
Open wound, extremity |
Superficial foreign body |
Coding gunshot wound without specifying entry/exit location leads to inaccurate severity and reimbursement.
Failure to differentiate initial injury from late effects (sequelae) causes coding and billing errors.
Incorrectly coding intent (accidental, self-harm, assault) impacts legal reporting and statistical data.
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.