Assault by blunt object, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury sustained as a direct result of an intentional act of violence involving a blunt object. It specifically captures the initial presentation and treatment of the patient for these injuries. The nature of the assault implies a non-penetrating force applied to the body.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial encounter for a patient who presents to an emergency department, clinic, or hospital with injuries (e.g., contusions, fractures, internal organ damage) caused by being struck with a blunt object during an assault. It should be used when the patient is receiving active treatment for the acute effects of the injury.

• Always sequence this external cause code after the primary diagnosis code(s) for the actual injury(ies) sustained.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the mechanism of injury was an assault and involved a blunt object.
• For subsequent encounters related to the same injury, use the appropriate subsequent encounter (D) or sequela (S) seventh character.