It is that time of the year again, and turkey-related injuries are common. This is the last Thanksgiving where use of ICD-9 is permitted, so it isn?t too early to prepare for ICD-10. Next year, be sure to code appropriately! For your patient who is injured by a turkey, be precise. For example, if your patient is pecked, do NOT simply use W61.43.
Be complete, and use:
Pecked by a turkey
W61.43XA ?? initial encounter
W61.43XD ?? subsequent encounter
W61.43XS ?? sequela
Of course these only apply if your patient has been pecked. You would use W61.42 if they were ?struck? by a turkey, and if necessary, you can fall back on W61.49, ?other contact with turkey?. Be aware that may lead to a denial of your claim since it is so vague.
Finally, be sure that the bird in question was a turkey. If the contact was with a duck, goose, or chicken, there are multiple separate codes to code for such contact.
Every code mentioned here is real. If you don?t believe me, check your ICD-10 code book. There is no way I could make this stuff up?
Wishing a healthy and happy Thanksgiving to all. And watch out for those turkeys.
