Shock due to being struck by lightning, initial encounter

This diagnosis code signifies a patient presenting with physiological shock directly resulting from a lightning strike. The shock can manifest in various forms, including cardiogenic, hypovolemic, or neurogenic, and is a severe, life-threatening systemic response to the electrical injury.

Apply this code when documenting the initial treatment for a patient who has experienced a lightning strike and is exhibiting signs and symptoms of shock. This includes cases where the patient is admitted to the emergency department or hospital for immediate stabilization and management of the acute effects of the electrical trauma.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the shock to the lightning strike as the causative event.
• This code is specifically for the initial encounter; subsequent encounters for sequelae would require a different encounter character.
• Code any associated injuries (e.g., burns, fractures, cardiac arrhythmias) separately in addition to this code.