Electrocution and nonfatal effects of electric current

This code signifies injuries or physiological disturbances resulting from exposure to electric current, which did not prove fatal. This includes direct tissue damage like burns, as well as systemic effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, neurological dysfunction, or muscle contractions caused by the passage of electricity through the body.

Apply this code when a patient presents with any non-fatal injury or adverse health effect directly attributable to an electric shock. Documentation should clearly state the patient was "electrocuted" or experienced an "electric shock" and detail the resulting injuries or symptoms, such as electrical burns, cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation, or nerve damage.

• Always code the specific injuries (e.g., burns, cardiac arrest) as primary diagnoses, with this code as an external cause or secondary diagnosis.
• Distinguish from lightning strike injuries, which have a separate external cause code.
• Ensure documentation specifies the non-fatal nature of the electric current exposure.