ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 20: External causes of morbidityV42

V42

Billable

Car occupant injured in collision with two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle

Chapter 20:External causes of morbidity

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V42 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of car occupant injured in collision with two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code V42 is used to classify injuries sustained by car occupants involved in collisions with two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles, such as motorcycles or scooters. This code is essential for capturing the external cause of morbidity and mortality related to traffic accidents. In clinical practice, it is vital to document the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the type of vehicles involved, the nature of the collision, and the specific injuries sustained. Accurate coding of V42 helps in understanding the epidemiology of traffic-related injuries, guiding public health interventions, and improving road safety measures. It is particularly relevant in emergency departments and trauma centers where such injuries are frequently treated. Proper documentation should include details about the accident, the mechanism of injury, and any contributing factors, such as weather conditions or road conditions, to ensure comprehensive coding and reporting.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for detailed documentation of the accident circumstances
  • Variability in injury types and severity
  • Potential for multiple external cause codes to be applicable
  • Differentiation between types of motor vehicles involved

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the accident details
  • Failure to capture all relevant external cause codes
  • Misclassification of the type of vehicle involved
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different coders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency departments must document the mechanism of injury, vehicle types, and patient condition upon arrival.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details of the accident are captured to support the use of V42.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Trauma documentation should include detailed descriptions of injuries, surgical interventions, and the circumstances of the accident.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma patients requiring surgical intervention due to severe injuries from a collision.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V42 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, external cause codes should be used in conjunction with injury codes to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition
  • It is essential to report the external cause code in the secondary position following the injury code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V42 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99284CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients presenting with severe injuries from a collision.

Documentation Requirements

Document the patient's condition, 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, including those involving two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and informs public health initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes of injuries, including those involving two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and informs public health initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes of injuries, including those involving two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles. This specificity aids in better tracking of injury patterns and informs public health initiatives.

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 code V42?

Use code V42 when documenting injuries sustained by car occupants involved in collisions with two- or three-wheeled motor vehicles, ensuring that the circumstances of the accident are well-documented.