Fall on board unspecified watercraft, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury sustained by an individual who fell while on board any type of watercraft not specifically identified, during the initial period of treatment for the injury. It indicates a traumatic event occurring within the confines of a vessel on water, where the fall is the mechanism of injury.

Apply this code when documenting an initial encounter for an injury resulting from a fall that occurred on a boat, ship, or other water vessel, and the specific type of watercraft is not known or documented. This is appropriate for emergency department visits or initial physician consultations following such an incident.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states the fall occurred on board a watercraft, not from it.
• Only use this code for the initial encounter for treatment of the injury. Subsequent care will require a different seventh character.
• Always code the specific injury sustained due to the fall in addition to this external cause code.