Shotgun discharge, undetermined intent, initial encounter

This diagnosis code signifies an injury resulting from a shotgun discharge where the intent (e.g., accidental, self-harm, assault) cannot be determined at the time of initial assessment. It indicates that the patient has sustained trauma from a shotgun, and the circumstances surrounding the event are unclear or unconfirmed.

Apply this code when a patient presents with an injury caused by a shotgun, and the medical record explicitly states that the intent of the discharge is unknown or undetermined. This is particularly relevant in emergency department settings or initial evaluations where the full context of the incident has not yet been established.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "undetermined intent" for the shotgun discharge.
• This code is for the initial encounter only; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always code the specific nature of the injury (e.g., open wound, fracture) in addition to this external cause code.