Fall from, out of or through bridge, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury sustained by a patient who has fallen from, out of, or through a bridge structure. It specifically denotes the initial presentation for treatment of these injuries. This includes falls from the top surface, through openings in the bridge, or over the side railings.

Apply this code when documenting the initial medical encounter for a patient who has experienced a fall from a bridge. This could include scenarios such as a pedestrian falling off a bridge, a vehicle occupant falling from a bridge after an accident, or an individual falling through a damaged section of a bridge.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies the fall occurred from a bridge, not another elevated structure.
• Verify this is the patient's first encounter for this specific injury; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always code additional injuries sustained from the fall, such as fractures or internal trauma, alongside this external cause code.