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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV23.9

V23.9

Billable

Unspecified motorcycle rider injured in collision with car, pick-up truck or van in traffic accident

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V23.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified motorcycle rider injured in collision with car, pick-up truck or van in traffic accident.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The V23.9 code is utilized to classify injuries sustained by motorcycle riders involved in collisions with motor vehicles such as cars, pick-up trucks, or vans during traffic accidents. This code is particularly relevant in emergency and trauma settings where the specifics of the incident may not be fully documented at the time of care. It captures the external cause of morbidity and mortality associated with motorcycle accidents, which are significant contributors to traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Accurate coding is essential for public health data collection, resource allocation, and understanding the epidemiology of motorcycle-related injuries. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that while the rider's involvement in a collision is documented, further details about the nature of the injuries or the circumstances of the accident may be lacking. This code is critical for tracking trends in motorcycle safety and informing preventive measures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the documentation of the accident.
  • Variability in injury types and severity that may not be captured.
  • Potential for misclassification if additional details are available but not documented.
  • Need for correlation with other codes for comprehensive injury reporting.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation leading to unspecified coding.
  • Failure to capture additional details that could lead to more specific codes.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across different healthcare providers.
  • Potential for upcoding if the severity of injuries is misrepresented.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency departments must document the mechanism of injury, including details about the collision, rider's condition upon arrival, and any immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A motorcycle rider arrives at the ER after a collision with a car, presenting with multiple injuries. The documentation should include the type of motorcycle, speed at impact, and any contributing factors.

Billing Considerations

Emergency physicians should ensure that all relevant details are captured to avoid using unspecified codes when more specific codes are available.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Trauma surgeons need to document the extent of injuries, surgical interventions performed, and any complications arising from the accident.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A motorcycle rider with severe leg fractures and head trauma following a collision is treated in the trauma unit. Detailed documentation of the injuries and surgical procedures is critical.

Billing Considerations

Trauma documentation should include the mechanism of injury and any pre-existing conditions that may affect treatment and recovery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V23.9 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, external cause codes should be used in conjunction with the primary diagnosis code
  • It is essential to document the circumstances of the injury as thoroughly as possible to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V23.9 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 rider presents with severe injuries requiring immediate attention.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the presenting problems, interventions, and any consultations.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should ensure that all aspects of the visit are documented to support the level of service billed.

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, including motorcycle accidents. However, the unspecified nature of V23.9 may lead to challenges in data analysis and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of external causes of injuries, including motorcycle accidents. However, the unspecified nature of V23.9 may lead to challenges in data analysis and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more detailed coding of external causes of injuries, including motorcycle accidents. However, the unspecified nature of V23.9 may lead to challenges in data analysis and resource allocation.

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 V23.9 instead of a more specific code?

V23.9 should be used when the documentation does not provide sufficient detail to assign a more specific code. Always strive for specificity when possible.