Facebook tracking pixelHistory of Motor Vehicle Accident - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
Z87.898
ICD-10-CM
History of Motor Vehicle Accident

Find information on documenting a history of motor vehicle accident (MVA) for healthcare professionals. This guide covers clinical documentation best practices, accurate medical coding for MVAs (ICD-10 codes), and important details for a complete patient history including accident details, injuries sustained, and subsequent treatment. Learn how to properly document the mechanism of injury, delta-v, and other relevant factors for accurate diagnosis and billing. Resources for physicians, nurses, and medical coders seeking information on motor vehicle accident documentation and coding.

Also known as

History of MVA
Hx of MVA

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Injury sustained in a traffic collision involving a motor vehicle.
  • Clinical Signs : Vary widely from bruises and whiplash to fractures, internal injuries, and concussions.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, trauma center, primary care clinic, physical therapy, chiropractic care.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z87.898 Coding
V01-V99

Persons with potential health hazards

Relates to accidents and other transport incidents.

Z87.5

Personal history of injury

Indicates past injury due to unspecified cause.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Covers injuries from various external causes, not just history.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Current injuries from MVA?

  • Yes

    Code current injuries. Do NOT code history of MVA (Z87.8XX).

  • No

    Any late effects from MVA?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Motor Vehicle Accident
Whiplash Injury
Concussion due to MVA

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • ICD-10 V01-V99 External cause codes
  • Date, time, and location of accident
  • Type of vehicle accident (e.g., car, motorcycle)
  • Patient's role (driver, passenger, pedestrian)
  • Description of injuries sustained in accident

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document precise accident details for accurate ICD-10 coding.
  • Specify injury type, location, and severity for optimal reimbursement.
  • Query physicians for clarifying details to improve CDI metrics.
  • Ensure V codes align with documented injuries for compliance.
  • Regularly audit documentation to minimize claim denials.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm documented accident details: date, time, location, type.
  • Verify injury details: body parts affected, severity, mechanism.
  • Check for pre-existing conditions impacting injuries.
  • Review diagnostic tests: imaging, neurological assessments.
  • Document ICD-10 codes: V49.XXA initial encounter, subsequent V12-V89

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • History of Motor Vehicle Accident reimbursement impacts accurate ICD-10 coding (V01-V99) for optimal payer contract compliance.
  • Coding quality metrics for MVA history directly affect hospital case mix index CMI and risk adjustment scores.
  • Accurate V-code reporting for history of MVA impacts trauma registry data, injury surveillance, and public health reporting.
  • Specificity in documenting MVA details (e.g., late effects, sequelae) improves claim validity and reduces denials.

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
  • Document accident details
  • Specify occupant status
  • Code injury severity
  • Link injuries to MVA
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a history of motor vehicle accident (MVA).  Date of accident: [Date of Accident].  Location of accident: [Location of Accident].  Patient was the [Driver, Passenger, Pedestrian, Other - Specify].  Patient reports [Wearing, Not Wearing] a seatbelt at the time of the collision.  Point of impact was [Specify Point of Impact, e.g., driver's side, rear, frontal].  Emergency medical services [EMS] were [Called, Not Called].  Patient was transported to [Hospital Name] via [EMS, Private Vehicle, Other].  Initial injuries reported at the scene included [List Initial Injuries].  Current complaints include [List Current Complaints, e.g., neck pain, back pain, headache, whiplash].  Symptoms onset [Immediately, Delayed].  Pain characteristics described as [Describe Pain, e.g., sharp, dull, aching, radiating, throbbing].  Pain level [Numeric Pain Scale 0-10].  Associated symptoms include [List Associated Symptoms, e.g., numbness, tingling, dizziness, nausea, vomiting].  Past medical history significant for [List Relevant PMH].  Surgical history includes [List Relevant Surgical History].  Medications include [List Current Medications].  Allergies include [List Allergies].  Physical examination reveals [Detailed Physical Exam Findings Related to MVA].  Neurological examination [Normal, Abnormal - Specify].  Range of motion [Limited, Full - Specify affected area and degree of limitation].  Palpation reveals [Tenderness, Swelling, Crepitus - Specify Location].  Diagnostic studies ordered include [X-ray, CT scan, MRI - Specify body part].  Assessment:  History of motor vehicle accident with [Diagnosis Based on Examination and Diagnostics, e.g., cervical strain, lumbar sprain, concussion, whiplash injury].  ICD-10 code: [Appropriate ICD-10 Code].  Plan:  [Treatment Plan including medications, physical therapy, referrals, follow-up care, patient education on injury management and recovery].  Return to work status: [Specify Work Status and Restrictions].