Other assault by drowning and submersion, initial encounter

This code signifies an intentional act of violence where an individual is subjected to drowning or submersion by another person, resulting in injury. It covers instances where the primary intent of the assault was to cause harm through water-related means, but the victim did not die. This code is specifically for the initial treatment of the injuries sustained from such an event.

Use this code when documenting the initial encounter for a patient who has been a victim of an assault involving forced submersion or drowning attempts by another individual. This includes scenarios like a person being held underwater against their will, or being pushed into a body of water with malicious intent to cause drowning. It is appropriate for the first time the patient receives medical attention for these injuries.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) to provide more detail about the circumstances of the assault.
• Do not use this code if the drowning or submersion was accidental, self-inflicted, or due to a natural disaster.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the assaultive nature of the drowning/submersion and that it is the initial encounter for treatment.