Child sexual abuse, suspected, initial encounter

This code indicates a healthcare encounter where child sexual abuse is suspected by a clinician, but not yet confirmed. It is used when there is a reasonable belief, based on clinical findings or reported information, that a child has been subjected to sexual abuse.

Apply this code when a patient presents with signs, symptoms, or disclosures that raise suspicion of child sexual abuse, and this is the initial assessment or treatment for these concerns. This includes emergency department visits, initial physician consultations, or forensic evaluations where abuse is first suspected.

• This code is for suspected abuse; do not use if abuse is confirmed.
• The "A" in the seventh character indicates an initial encounter for the suspected abuse.
• Always code the specific signs, symptoms, or injuries observed in addition to this code.