Traumatic hemothorax without mention of open wound into thorax

This code signifies the presence of blood within the pleural cavity resulting from a non-penetrating injury to the chest. It indicates a traumatic accumulation of blood that is not directly communicating with the external environment through an open wound.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a hemothorax caused by blunt force trauma, such as from a motor vehicle accident, fall, or assault, without an associated open chest wound. Supporting documentation would include imaging reports (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan) confirming pleural blood and a clear history of blunt thoracic trauma.

• Differentiate from hemothorax due to penetrating trauma, which would involve an open wound.
• Always sequence this code after the primary injury causing the hemothorax (e.g., rib fracture).
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without mention of open wound" or clearly describes a closed injury mechanism.