Adult physical abuse, confirmed, initial encounter

This code signifies a confirmed instance of physical abuse inflicted upon an adult patient, where the patient is presenting for the initial treatment of injuries or conditions resulting from the abuse. It indicates that the abuse has been substantiated through clinical findings or other evidence.

Apply this code when an adult patient presents with injuries (e.g., fractures, bruises, lacerations) or other health conditions directly attributable to physical abuse, and the abuse has been confirmed. This is appropriate for the very first encounter for the care of these specific injuries or conditions.

• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the reason for the encounter is the physical abuse.
• Utilize additional codes to specify the exact nature of the injuries sustained (e.g., specific fracture codes, contusion codes).
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the "confirmed" status of the abuse and that it is the "initial encounter" for these specific issues.