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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesV42.9

V42.9

Billable

Unspecified car occupant injured in collision with two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle in traffic accident

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

Code Description

ICD-10 V42.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified car occupant injured in collision with two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle in traffic accident.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The V42.9 code is used to classify injuries sustained by an unspecified car occupant involved in a collision with a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle during a traffic accident. This code is particularly relevant in cases where the specifics of the injury or the circumstances surrounding the accident are not fully documented. It captures a broad range of potential injuries, including but not limited to fractures, contusions, and lacerations, which may occur due to the impact of the collision. Accurate coding is essential for tracking injury patterns, understanding the epidemiology of traffic accidents, and facilitating appropriate public health interventions. In clinical practice, this code may be used in emergency departments, trauma centers, and outpatient settings when treating patients who have been involved in such accidents, ensuring that healthcare providers can effectively communicate the nature of the injuries sustained.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation quality regarding the specifics of the accident.
  • Potential for multiple injuries requiring additional codes.
  • Need for precise linkage between the cause of injury and the treatment provided.
  • Differentiation between various types of motor vehicle accidents.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specifics of the accident.
  • Failure to capture all relevant injuries leading to undercoding.
  • Misclassification of the type of vehicle involved in the accident.
  • Inconsistent use of external cause codes across different providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Emergency departments must document the mechanism of injury, patient presentation, and any immediate interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with trauma after a collision with a motorcycle or scooter, often requiring rapid assessment and intervention.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the patient's condition upon arrival and any changes during treatment is crucial for proper coding.

Trauma Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports and injury assessments are necessary to capture the full extent of injuries sustained.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Trauma cases involving multiple injuries from a traffic accident, necessitating surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of the mechanism of injury and the potential for associated injuries is vital for comprehensive coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use V42.9 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 document the circumstances of the accident, including the type of vehicle involved and the location of the incident

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use V42.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99283CPT Code

Emergency department visit, moderate severity

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients presenting with moderate injuries from a traffic accident.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must support the level of service provided, including history, examination, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Emergency medicine providers should ensure that the visit is well-documented to justify the level of care.

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, improving data collection and analysis for public health initiatives. However, it has also increased the complexity of coding, necessitating thorough documentation and understanding of the coding guidelines.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of external causes of injuries, improving data collection and analysis for public health initiatives. However, it has also increased the complexity of coding, necessitating thorough documentation and understanding of the coding guidelines.

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

What should I document to support the use of V42.9?

Document the specifics of the accident, including the type of vehicles involved, the mechanism of injury, and any injuries sustained. Ensure that all relevant details are included in the medical record to support accurate coding.