Self-harm by oth gas, air or spring-operated gun, subs

This code signifies an injury resulting from a deliberate act of self-harm using a non-firearm projectile weapon, such as a BB gun, pellet gun, or airsoft gun. The "subsequent encounter" designation indicates that this code is used for follow-up care after the initial treatment of the injury.

This code is appropriate for documenting ongoing medical care for a patient who previously sustained an injury from intentionally self-inflicted harm via an air, gas, or spring-operated gun. Examples include follow-up appointments for wound care, infection management, or psychological evaluation related to the initial self-harm attempt.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states the injury was intentionally self-inflicted and caused by a non-firearm projectile weapon.
• Verify that this is not the initial encounter for the injury; if it is, a different encounter character would be used.
• Always code with an accompanying external cause code (X-code) to specify the intent and mechanism of injury.