Slip/trip w/o fall d/t step from one level to another, subs

This code describes an injury or adverse event resulting from a loss of balance when transitioning between different elevations, such as stepping off a curb, onto a step, or from a higher to a lower surface, without a complete fall to the ground. The patient experiences a slip, trip, or stumble but manages to regain balance or is caught before fully falling. This specific code indicates that this is a subsequent encounter for the injury.

Use this code when documenting follow-up care for an injury sustained during a slip, trip, or stumble that occurred while stepping between different levels, but did not result in a full fall. This applies to situations where the patient is returning for evaluation, treatment, or monitoring related to the initial event. Examples include follow-up for a sprained ankle or contusion sustained from such an incident.

• Always assign an additional code for the actual injury sustained (e.g., sprain, contusion).
• Ensure the "D" seventh character is appropriate for a subsequent encounter, indicating ongoing care for the initial injury.
• Distinguish this from codes for falls (W00-W19) where the patient completely loses balance and lands on a surface.