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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV48.5

V48.5

Billable

Car driver injured in noncollision transport accident in traffic accident

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V48.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of car driver injured in noncollision transport accident in traffic accident.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code V48.5 is used to classify injuries sustained by a car driver involved in a noncollision transport accident within the context of a traffic accident. This code is particularly relevant when the driver is injured due to factors such as sudden stops, swerving to avoid an obstacle, or other non-collision scenarios that still occur within the traffic environment. Clinical documentation should detail the circumstances of the accident, including the mechanism of injury, to ensure accurate coding. This code is essential for tracking morbidity and mortality related to traffic incidents, aiding in public health data collection and analysis. Accurate coding helps in understanding the patterns of injuries sustained in traffic accidents, which can inform preventive measures and policy-making.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Determining the exact nature of the noncollision event can be challenging.
  • Requires detailed documentation of the circumstances surrounding the injury.
  • Potential overlap with other external cause codes, necessitating careful differentiation.
  • Involves understanding of traffic laws and accident reporting standards.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the accident circumstances.
  • Misclassification of the type of accident leading to incorrect coding.
  • Failure to link the external cause code with the appropriate injury diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent use of codes for similar injury mechanisms.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency department notes should clearly describe the mechanism of injury, including any contributing factors such as weather conditions or driver behavior.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A driver swerves to avoid an animal and sustains injuries from the sudden maneuver.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation captures all relevant details to support the use of V48.5, including witness statements if available.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Trauma notes must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, including any pre-existing conditions that may affect recovery.

Common Clinical Scenarios

A driver experiences whiplash after a sudden stop to avoid a collision.

Billing Considerations

Consider the potential for multiple injuries and the need for co-coding with other relevant injury codes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V48.5 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the external cause code is reported in conjunction with the appropriate injury diagnosis codes
  • Document the circumstances of the accident thoroughly to support the use of V48

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V48.5 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99283CPT Code

Emergency department visit, moderate severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with injuries from a noncollision transport accident.

Documentation Requirements

Document the mechanism of injury and any treatments provided.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure thorough documentation 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 specific coding of external causes, including noncollision transport accidents, improving data accuracy and facilitating better public health analysis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes, including noncollision transport accidents, improving data accuracy and facilitating better public health analysis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes, including noncollision transport accidents, improving data accuracy and facilitating better public health analysis.

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 is the difference between V48.5 and V48.4?

V48.5 is used for injuries sustained in noncollision transport accidents, while V48.4 is for injuries resulting from collisions with other vehicles. Accurate documentation is essential to determine the correct code.