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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV20.49

V20.49

Billable

Other motorcycle driver injured in collision with pedestrian or animal in traffic accident

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V20.49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other motorcycle driver injured in collision with pedestrian or animal in traffic accident.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code V20.49 is used to classify injuries sustained by motorcycle drivers involved in collisions with pedestrians or animals during traffic accidents. This code is essential for capturing the external causes of morbidity and mortality associated with motorcycle accidents, which are significant contributors to trauma-related injuries. The code applies specifically to incidents where the motorcycle driver is the primary party injured, distinguishing it from codes that may pertain to pedestrians or other vehicles involved. Accurate coding is crucial for public health data collection, resource allocation, and understanding the epidemiology of motorcycle-related injuries. Documentation should include details about the circumstances of the accident, the nature of the injuries sustained, and any contributing factors such as road conditions or visibility. This code is particularly relevant in emergency and trauma settings, where timely and precise coding can impact patient care and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of collisions (e.g., pedestrian vs. animal)
  • Understanding the context of the accident (e.g., urban vs. rural settings)
  • Documenting the specific injuries sustained by the motorcycle driver
  • Ensuring accurate linkage to primary diagnosis codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the accident details
  • Misclassification of the type of collision
  • Failure to link the external cause code to the primary diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different coders

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency departments must document the mechanism of injury, including details about the collision, patient presentation, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Motorcycle drivers presenting with fractures, lacerations, or head injuries following a collision with a pedestrian or animal.

Billing Considerations

Emergency physicians should ensure that the external cause is clearly documented to support accurate coding and billing.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Trauma surgeons need detailed accounts of the injury mechanism, including the speed of the motorcycle, the impact force, and any pre-existing conditions of the patient.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving complex injuries such as pelvic fractures or traumatic brain injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.

Billing Considerations

Trauma documentation must include comprehensive details to justify the use of V20.49 and to support surgical interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V20.49 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, external cause codes should be used in conjunction with the primary diagnosis code
  • It is essential to report the external cause code to provide context for the injury and to comply with coding standards
  • The code should be reported for the encounter where the injury is treated, and it is recommended to use additional codes to specify the nature of the injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V20.49 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 driver presents to the emergency department with significant injuries.

Documentation Requirements

Document the severity of the injuries and the treatment provided.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine specialists should ensure that the visit is coded accurately based on 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, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track motorcycle-related injuries. This specificity aids in public health initiatives aimed at reducing motorcycle accidents.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track motorcycle-related injuries. This specificity aids in public health initiatives aimed at reducing motorcycle accidents.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance with insurance requirements.

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 V20.49?

Use V20.49 when documenting injuries sustained by a motorcycle driver involved in a collision with a pedestrian or animal during a traffic accident. Ensure that the documentation supports the coding choice.