As the nights turn chilly and the days grow shorter, spooky surprises are in store. But don’t worry—there’s an ICD-10-CM code for every fright that may haunt you this Halloween season.
Other fall on same level due to collision with another person, initial encounter – W03.XXXA
This ICD-10-CM code pops up in almost every episode of Scooby-Doo as the gang runs from door to door in pursuit of the masked culprit.
Excessive attrition of teeth – K03.0
A dentist’s worst nightmare or their favorite patient? You be the judge. Fun fact: Did you know there is a specialized terminology for describing dental care in the EHR? It’s called SNODENT®.
Other activities involving arts and handcrafts – Y93.D9
Remember, the objective is to carve the pumpkin not anything — or anyone — else.
Assault by sword or dagger – X99.2XXA
Will Jamie Lee Curtis’s character continue to escape this ICD-10-CM code in the Halloween films? We hope so.
Other wilderness area as the place of occurrence of the external cause – Y92.828
Was this code added before or after The Blair Witch Project came out? Asking for a friend…
Bitten by cat, initial encounter – W55.01XA
As you go on the prowl for candy, beware who you scare. Sometimes, scaredy cats bite back.
Bizarre personal appearance – R46.1
We are guessing that clinicians on the night shift use this code frequently every October 31.
Injury due to activity, sewing – Y93.D2
For when you have watched too much Project Runway and have the confidence that you can whip together an elaborate Halloween costume just six hours before that party starts.
Phobia of blood – F40.230
Whether it is the real deal or the fake syrup-ketchup mixture, rest assured that any blood phobias can integrate straight into your EHR’s medical problem list.
Open bite of unspecified part of neck, initial encounter – S11.95XA
There is always someone who takes their costume a little too seriously, and we are lookin’ at you, “Dracula.”
Nightmare disorder – F51.5
If non-stop horror movies have kept you awake all October, breathe easy knowing you are about to get a reprieve for another year.
Allergic contact dermatitis due to cosmetics – L23.2
Before you commit to that 30-minute YouTube tutorial for costume makeup, do a patch test on your forearm to make sure you are not allergic.
Strange and inexplicable behavior – R46.2
Just when we thought things could not get weirder, Halloween will prove us wrong with head-turning spooky shenanigans.
