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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV20.5

V20.5

Billable

Motorcycle passenger injured in collision with pedestrian or animal in traffic accident

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 V20.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of motorcycle passenger injured in collision with pedestrian or animal in traffic accident.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code V20.5 is used to classify injuries sustained by a motorcycle passenger involved in a traffic accident where the motorcycle collides with a pedestrian or an animal. This code is essential for capturing the external cause of morbidity and mortality associated with motorcycle accidents, which are significant contributors to trauma cases in emergency departments. The code applies specifically to passengers on motorcycles, distinguishing them from operators, and highlights the nature of the collision. Accurate coding is crucial for public health data, as it helps in understanding the epidemiology of motorcycle-related injuries and informs preventive measures. Documentation should include details about the circumstances of the accident, the type of injuries sustained, and any contributing factors such as weather conditions or visibility issues. This code is particularly relevant in urban settings where pedestrian traffic is high, and it underscores the importance of safety measures for both motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between operator and passenger injuries
  • Understanding the context of the collision (pedestrian vs. animal)
  • Documenting the specifics of the accident scenario
  • Identifying associated injuries that may require additional codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the accident details
  • Misclassification of the injured party (passenger vs. operator)
  • Failure to capture all relevant injuries
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency departments must document the mechanism of injury, including the type of collision, the speed of the motorcycle, and the condition of the pedestrian or animal involved.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Common scenarios include motorcycle passengers sustaining injuries after colliding with pedestrians at crosswalks or animals on the road.

Billing Considerations

Emergency physicians should ensure that all injuries are documented, including soft tissue injuries, fractures, and any head trauma.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Trauma surgeons need detailed documentation of the injuries sustained, surgical interventions performed, and the patient's response to treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases often involve multiple injuries from high-impact collisions, necessitating comprehensive coding for all affected body regions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration should be given to the potential for secondary injuries and complications arising from the initial trauma.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V20.5 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, external cause codes should be reported in conjunction with the corresponding injury codes
  • It is essential to provide the most specific external cause code available to accurately reflect the circumstances of the injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V20.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99284CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a motorcycle passenger presents to the emergency department with significant injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include details of the injuries, treatment provided, and any consultations.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should ensure that the visit level reflects the complexity of the case.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes of injuries, improving data collection and analysis for public health initiatives aimed at reducing motorcycle-related injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes of injuries, improving data collection and analysis for public health initiatives aimed at reducing motorcycle-related injuries.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes of injuries, improving data collection and analysis for public health initiatives aimed at reducing motorcycle-related injuries.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be documented to support the use of V20.5?

Documentation should include the details of the accident, the role of the passenger, the type of injuries sustained, and any relevant environmental factors.