by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
May 30th, 2015 - Reviewed/Updated Aug 8th
More than one external cause code is required to fully describe the external cause of an illness or injury. The assignment of external cause codes should be sequenced in the following priority: If two or more events cause separate injuries, an external cause code should be assigned for each cause.
The first-listed external cause code will be selected in the following order:
- External codes for child and adult abuse take priority over all other external cause codes. See Section I.C.19., Child and Adult abuse guidelines.
- External cause codes for terrorism events take priority over all other external cause codes except child and adult abuse.
- External cause codes for cataclysmic events take priority over all other external cause codes
- except child and adult abuse and terrorism.
- External cause codes for transport accidents take priority over all other external cause codes except cataclysmic events, child and adult abuse and terrorism. ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting FY 2015 Page 79 of 115 Activity and external cause status codes are assigned following all causal (intent) external cause codes.
- The first-listed external cause code should correspond to the cause of the most serious diagnosis due to an assault, accident, or self-harm, following the order of hierarchy listed above.
Read more on external cause coding
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.