Assault by hot tap water, initial encounter

This code describes an injury resulting from intentional harm inflicted by another person using hot tap water. This typically presents as burns of varying degrees, often affecting the skin and underlying tissues, and is a form of physical assault.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's initial presentation for injuries sustained from an assault where hot tap water was the weapon. This includes emergency department visits, initial clinic evaluations, or hospital admissions directly following such an incident.

• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it represents the reason for the encounter.
• Remember to also code the specific burn(s) sustained, including site, degree, and extent, as secondary diagnoses.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the injury was due to assault and specifies hot tap water as the mechanism.