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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV49.88

V49.88

Billable

Car occupant (driver) (passenger) injured in other specified transport accidents

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V49.88 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of car occupant (driver) (passenger) injured in other specified transport accidents.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code V49.88 is used to classify injuries sustained by car occupants, including both drivers and passengers, in transport accidents that are not specifically categorized elsewhere. This code encompasses a variety of scenarios, such as accidents involving vehicles that are not standard cars, including buses, trucks, or other forms of transport. It is crucial for coders to accurately document the circumstances surrounding the injury, including the type of vehicle involved and the nature of the accident, to ensure proper coding and reimbursement. This code is particularly relevant in emergency medicine and trauma settings, where understanding the context of the injury can influence treatment decisions and outcomes. Accurate coding of V49.88 helps in tracking injury patterns and can inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing transport-related injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of transport scenarios that may not be clearly defined
  • Need for precise documentation of the accident type
  • Potential overlap with other external cause codes
  • Variability in coding practices across different healthcare settings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the accident type
  • Failure to specify the role of the occupant (driver vs. passenger)
  • Misclassification of the transport mode
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, type of vehicle, and circumstances surrounding the accident.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with injuries from car accidents, including fractures, lacerations, and concussions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly distinguishes between driver and passenger roles to avoid coding errors.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive trauma assessments, including injury severity scores and detailed descriptions of injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving multiple injuries from transport accidents requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Consider the mechanism of injury and the specific transport context to ensure accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V49.88 When
  • According to the ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, external cause codes should be used in conjunction with the appropriate diagnosis codes
  • It is essential to document the external cause of injury in the medical record to support the use of V49

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V49.88 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 transport accident.

Documentation Requirements

Document the nature of the injuries and the external cause.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure that the external cause is clearly linked to the visit.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of transport-related injuries, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of transport-related injuries, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of transport-related injuries, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track injury patterns and outcomes.

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 V49.88?

Use V49.88 when documenting injuries sustained by car occupants in specified transport accidents that do not fall under other specific codes. Ensure that the documentation clearly describes the accident circumstances.