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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV49.59

V49.59

Billable

Passenger injured in collision with other motor vehicles in traffic accident

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V49.59 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of passenger injured in collision with other motor vehicles in traffic accident.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code V49.59 is used to classify injuries sustained by passengers involved in traffic accidents where their vehicle collides with other motor vehicles. This code is crucial for capturing the external cause of morbidity and mortality related to road traffic incidents, which are a significant public health concern. Accurate coding of such incidents helps in understanding the epidemiology of traffic-related injuries, guiding preventive measures, and allocating resources for trauma care. It is essential for medical coders to ensure that this code is used in conjunction with the appropriate injury codes to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition. Documentation should include details about the accident, the role of the passenger, and any contributing factors such as speed, weather conditions, and the type of vehicles involved.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of the accident details
  • Differentiation between various types of motor vehicle collisions
  • Potential for multiple external cause codes to be applicable
  • Variability in state reporting requirements for traffic accidents

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the accident circumstances
  • Incorrect assignment of the code due to lack of specificity
  • Failure to link the external cause code with the appropriate injury codes
  • Misinterpretation of the passenger's role in the accident

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency department notes must clearly document the mechanism of injury, including details of the collision and the patient's role as a passenger.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with injuries from a traffic accident where they were a passenger, including fractures, lacerations, and concussions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant details of the accident are captured, including the type of vehicles involved and the circumstances leading to the collision.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Trauma registries require comprehensive documentation of the injury mechanism, including the passenger's injuries and the specifics of the collision.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving passengers with severe injuries from high-impact collisions requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding is essential for trauma outcomes analysis and resource allocation; ensure all injuries are documented and linked to the external cause.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V49.59 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, external cause codes should be reported in conjunction with the appropriate injury codes
  • It is important to document the circumstances of the accident, including the location, type of vehicles involved, and any contributing factors
  • External cause codes should be used to provide a complete picture of the patient's injuries and the context in which they occurred

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V49.59 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99284CPT Code

Emergency department visit, high severity

Clinical Scenario

Used when a passenger presents to the emergency department with serious injuries from a traffic accident.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include details of the accident, injuries sustained, and treatment provided.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should ensure that all relevant details are captured for accurate coding.

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 traffic accidents. This has improved data collection and analysis for public health initiatives aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

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 V49.59?

Use V49.59 when coding for injuries sustained by a passenger in a traffic accident involving a collision with another motor vehicle. Ensure that it is linked to the appropriate injury codes.