Assault by letter bomb, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury or adverse health effect sustained by a patient as a direct result of an assault involving an explosive device delivered via mail. It specifically indicates that this is the first time the patient is being treated for injuries from this particular incident.

Apply this code when documenting the initial treatment for a patient who has been physically harmed by an explosive device received through the mail. This includes injuries such as burns, shrapnel wounds, blast trauma, or other physical damage directly attributable to the letter bomb.

• Always assign a primary injury code (e.g., burn, open wound) in addition to this external cause code.
• Ensure the "A" for initial encounter is appended for the first time the patient is seen for this specific incident.
• Do not use this code for threats or psychological trauma without physical injury; focus on actual physical harm.