Bather struck by powered watercraft, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury sustained by an individual who was in the water (e.g., swimming, wading, floating) and was struck by a motorized water vessel. It specifically indicates the initial phase of treatment for such an incident.

Apply this code when documenting the initial medical care for a patient who was struck by a powered watercraft while in the water. This includes scenarios like a swimmer being hit by a jet ski, a person wading struck by a motorboat, or a diver impacted by a propeller.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states the patient was a "bather" or in the water, not on another vessel.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for treatment of the injury; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• Always code the specific injury sustained in addition to this external cause code.