Bitten by other hoof stock, initial encounter

This code indicates an injury sustained from the bite of a hoofed animal other than a horse, cow, or pig. This includes animals such as deer, goats, sheep, or llamas. The "initial encounter" signifies that the patient is receiving active treatment for the bite wound.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting for the first time with a bite wound from a non-bovine, non-equine, non-porcine hoofed animal. This would include emergency department visits, urgent care visits, or initial physician office visits for wound assessment and treatment.

• Always use in conjunction with a code for the specific bite wound (e.g., open wound, puncture wound).
• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies the type of hoof stock if known, to rule out more specific W55 codes.
• Verify that this is indeed the initial encounter for treatment; subsequent encounters would require a different 7th character.