Assault by hot tap water, subsequent encounter

This code signifies an injury sustained from intentionally inflicted hot tap water, occurring during a follow-up visit for the initial assault. It indicates a burn or scald resulting from another person's deliberate act of using hot tap water as a weapon. The "subsequent encounter" aspect specifies that this is not the initial treatment for the injury.

Apply this code when a patient presents for ongoing care, such as wound checks, dressing changes, or follow-up evaluations, related to burns or scalds caused by an assault involving hot tap water. This is appropriate for any visit after the initial encounter for the acute injury.

• Always pair this code with an external cause code (Y90-Y99) to provide a complete picture of the injury's circumstances.
• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the "subsequent encounter" status for the hot tap water assault injury.
• Verify the burn or scald was explicitly caused by hot tap water, not another hot liquid or heat source, and was intentionally inflicted.