Balloon collision injuring occupant, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury sustained by an occupant within a balloon that has been involved in a collision. It specifically captures the direct impact or consequence of the balloon striking another object or surface, resulting in harm to an individual inside. This initial encounter indicates the patient is receiving active treatment for the injury.

Use this code for patients presenting with injuries directly attributable to a hot air balloon or gas balloon colliding with an external object, such as a building, power line, or another aircraft. This applies to the initial phase of treatment, such as emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or first outpatient encounters for the injury.

• Always assign an additional code for the specific injury sustained (e.g., fracture, contusion, laceration).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the patient was an "occupant" of the balloon and that a "collision" occurred.
• Do not use this code for injuries sustained during a hard landing that is not explicitly a collision.