Car passenger injured in collision w ped/anml in traf, subs

This code signifies that a car passenger sustained injuries during a traffic accident where their vehicle collided with either a pedestrian or an animal. The "subsequent encounter" designation indicates that this code is used for follow-up care after the initial treatment of the injury.

Apply this code when documenting ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or follow-up visits for a passenger injured in such a collision. Examples include physical therapy for a fracture, wound care for lacerations, or monitoring for concussion symptoms, after the initial emergency room visit or hospitalization.

• Ensure the patient was a passenger, not the driver, and the collision involved a pedestrian or animal.
• Confirm this is not the initial encounter for the injury; look for documentation of follow-up care.
• Always code the specific injury(ies) sustained by the passenger first, followed by this external cause code.