CodingQuestion 21 of 100

Which statement about the ICD-10-CM external cause codes (the V, W, X, and Y codes) is correct?

a.They may be used as a first-listed or principal diagnosis
b.They provide supplemental detail about how an injury occurred and are never sequenced first
c.They replace the injury code entirely
d.They are only used for laboratory results

Explanation

External cause codes describe the mechanism, intent, place, and activity related to an injury or condition, adding useful public-health detail. They are always secondary and cannot serve as the principal or first-listed diagnosis. Their use is generally voluntary unless mandated by a state or payer.

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