Bather struck by nonpowered watercraft, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury sustained by an individual who was bathing or swimming and was struck by a non-motorized watercraft. This includes incidents where a person in the water is hit by objects like canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or sailboats. The "initial encounter" indicates that this code is used for the first time a patient is seen for this specific injury.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with injuries (e.g., contusions, fractures, lacerations) resulting from being hit by a non-motorized boat while they were in the water. This is appropriate for emergency department visits, urgent care, or initial physician consultations following such an incident.

• Always code the specific injury first, followed by this external cause code.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states the patient was "bathing" or "swimming" and was struck by a "non-powered watercraft."
• Differentiate from incidents involving powered watercraft (e.g., motorboats, jet skis) which have different external cause codes.