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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV21.9

V21.9

Billable

Unspecified motorcycle rider injured in collision with pedal cycle in traffic accident

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V21.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified motorcycle rider injured in collision with pedal cycle in traffic accident.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The code V21.9 is used to classify injuries sustained by motorcycle riders involved in collisions with pedal cycles during traffic accidents. This code is particularly relevant in scenarios where the specifics of the injury or the circumstances of the accident are not fully documented. It captures the external cause of morbidity and mortality associated with traffic accidents, which are a significant public health concern. Motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers compared to other vehicles. Accurate coding of such incidents is crucial for understanding injury patterns, resource allocation, and prevention strategies. This code is often used in emergency departments and trauma centers to document the nature of injuries sustained in traffic-related incidents, contributing to epidemiological data and public health initiatives aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation quality regarding the specifics of the accident.
  • Potential for misclassification if details are not thoroughly captured.
  • Need for precise linkage between the injury and the external cause.
  • Variations in state reporting requirements for traffic accidents.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
  • Failure to specify the type of motorcycle or pedal cycle involved.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different coders.
  • Potential for upcoding if the severity of injuries is not accurately reflected.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency departments must document the mechanism of injury, including details of the collision, rider's protective gear, and any pre-existing conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with fractures, lacerations, or head injuries following a motorcycle-pedal cycle collision.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the use of V21.9.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Trauma documentation should include the injury severity score, specific injuries sustained, and the mechanism of injury.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving multiple injuries from motorcycle accidents, requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding is essential for trauma registries and quality improvement initiatives.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V21.9 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, external cause codes should be used in conjunction with the appropriate injury codes
  • It is essential to report the external cause code to provide context for the injury and to follow the guidelines for sequencing external cause codes correctly

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V21.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99283CPT Code

Emergency department visit, moderate severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a motorcycle rider presents with injuries requiring moderate medical decision-making.

Documentation Requirements

Document the nature of the injuries, treatment provided, and any referrals made.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should ensure that all relevant details are captured to support the visit level.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of external causes of injuries, improving data collection and analysis for public health initiatives. V21.9 provides a mechanism to capture unspecified motorcycle-related injuries, which can inform traffic safety policies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of external causes of injuries, improving data collection and analysis for public health initiatives. V21.9 provides a mechanism to capture unspecified motorcycle-related injuries, which can inform traffic safety policies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance with payer requirements.

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

When should I use V21.9?

Use V21.9 when a motorcycle rider is injured in a collision with a pedal cycle during a traffic accident, and the specifics of the injury or circumstances are not fully documented.