Accidental discharge of hunting rifle, subsequent encounter

This code signifies an injury resulting from the unintentional firing of a hunting rifle, occurring during a follow-up visit or for sequelae of the initial injury. It indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing care for complications, healing, or rehabilitation related to the original accidental discharge.

Apply this code when a patient presents for treatment of an injury sustained from an accidental hunting rifle discharge, and this encounter is not the initial visit for the injury. This includes visits for wound care, infection, physical therapy, or surgical follow-up related to the original incident.

• Always assign an external cause code (W33.02XD) in conjunction with a code for the specific injury sustained.
• Ensure the encounter is truly "subsequent" and not the initial treatment for the injury.
• Review documentation carefully to confirm the weapon involved was a hunting rifle and the discharge was accidental.