Exposure to disaster, war and other hostilities

This code identifies a patient's history or current experience of being exposed to significant, large-scale traumatic events such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or acts of terrorism. It indicates that the patient's health status or presenting symptoms may be related to the psychological or physical impact of such an exposure.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with conditions, symptoms, or mental health issues that are directly attributable to their involvement in or exposure to a disaster, war, or other hostile event. This includes individuals who have experienced displacement, injury, or severe emotional distress as a result of these circumstances.

• Use as a secondary diagnosis when the primary condition (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, injury) is a direct result of the exposure.
• Do not use for discrimination or persecution; refer to the Excludes1 note for appropriate coding.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the patient's condition to the specific exposure event.