This chapter permits the classification of environmental events and circumstances as the cause of injury, and other adverse effects. Where a code from this section is applicable, it is intended that it shall be used secondary to a code from another chapter of the Classification indicating the nature of the condition. Most often, the condition will be classifiable to Chapter 19, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). Other conditions that may be stated to be due to external causes are classified in Chapters I to XVIII. For these conditions, codes from Chapter 20 should be used to provide additional information as to the cause of the condition.
Exposure to forces of nature (X30-X39)
X30
Exposure to excessive natural heat Exposure to excessive heat as the cause of sunstroke Exposure to heat NOS
Excludes 1:
excessive heat of man-made origin (W92) exposure to man-made radiation (W89) exposure to sunlight (X32) exposure to tanning bed (W89)
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code X30 A - initial encounter D - subsequent encounter S - sequela
X31
Exposure to excessive natural cold Excessive cold as the cause of chilblains NOS Excessive cold as the cause of immersion foot or hand Exposure to cold NOS Exposure to weather conditions
Excludes 1:
cold of man-made origin (W93.-) contact with or inhalation of dry ice (W93.-) contact with or inhalation of liquefied gas (W93.-)
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code X31 A - initial encounter D - subsequent encounter S - sequela
X32
Exposure to sunlight
Excludes 1:
man-made radiation (tanning bed) (W89)
Excludes 2:
radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code X32 A - initial encounter D - subsequent encounter S - sequela
X34
Earthquake
Excludes 2:
tidal wave (tsunami) due to earthquake (X37.41)
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code X34 A - initial encounter D - subsequent encounter S - sequela
X35
Volcanic eruption
Excludes 2:
tidal wave (tsunami) due to volcanic eruption (X37.41)
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code X35 A - initial encounter D - subsequent encounter S - sequela
contact with and (suspected) exposure to radon and other naturally occurring radiation (Z77.123) exposure to man-made radiation (W88-W90) exposure to sunlight (X32)