Heat exposure on board merchant ship, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury or adverse health effect resulting from excessive heat exposure experienced by an individual while working or present on a merchant ship. It covers conditions ranging from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to heatstroke, directly attributable to the environmental conditions on board the vessel.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a heat-related illness that occurred during their initial exposure on a merchant ship. This includes crew members, passengers, or other individuals who suffered heat stress while on board. It is appropriate for the first time a patient is seen for this specific injury.

• Always assign an additional code to specify the type of heat-related illness (e.g., T67.0XXA for heatstroke).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the incident occurred on a "merchant ship" and is an "initial encounter."
• Do not use for heat exposure in other maritime settings (e.g., military vessels, pleasure craft).