Fall from, out of or through bridge, subsequent encounter

This code describes an injury sustained by a patient who experienced a fall from, out of, or through a bridge, and is being seen for follow-up care after the initial treatment. It indicates that the patient is in the healing phase or receiving ongoing management for complications related to the original incident.

Apply this code for subsequent encounters when a patient presents for continued treatment, evaluation of healing, or management of residual effects from an injury caused by falling from a bridge. This includes visits for cast changes, physical therapy, wound care, or follow-up imaging related to the original fall.

• Ensure the encounter is not the initial treatment for the injury; use the 'A' (initial encounter) seventh character for the first visit.
• Always code the specific injury(ies) sustained due to the fall in addition to this external cause code.
• Verify documentation clearly indicates the fall occurred from a bridge and that the visit is for subsequent care.