Accidental handgun discharge, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury resulting from the unintentional firing of a handgun. It is used when the patient is receiving active treatment for the acute effects of this incident.

Apply this code for initial encounters where a patient presents with a gunshot wound or other trauma directly caused by an accidental handgun discharge. This includes emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or first outpatient visits for this specific injury.

• Always sequence this external cause code after the primary injury code(s).
• Ensure the 7th character 'A' (initial encounter) is used only for the period of active treatment.
• Do not use for intentional self-harm, assault, or legal intervention; those have distinct external cause codes.