Fear of injury

This code describes a specific phobia characterized by an irrational and intense fear of sustaining a physical injury. Individuals with this condition experience significant anxiety or panic when exposed to or anticipating situations that might lead to injury, even if the actual risk is minimal. This fear often leads to avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily functioning.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosed specific phobia where the primary focus of the fear is injury. This diagnosis is typically made by a mental health professional based on diagnostic criteria, including persistent fear, avoidance, and significant distress or impairment. Supporting documentation should detail the patient's symptoms, the specific focus of their phobia, and its impact on their life.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "fear of injury" as the specific phobia, not just general anxiety or health concerns.
• Do not confuse this with hypochondriasis (illness anxiety disorder) where the fear is of having a serious illness, rather than sustaining an injury.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the main reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it contributes to the patient's overall care.