Y23: ICD10 Code for Rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge, undetermined intent

Rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge, undetermined intent (Y23) refers to injuries or fatalities where the cause or intent—whether accidental, intentional, or assault—is undetermined at the time of documentation. These cases require careful clinical management, detailed investigation, and follow-up to clarify circumstances and ensure appropriate care.

Symptoms

• Trauma injuries from falls, crashes, or impacts
• Gunshot or explosion-related wounds
• Burns or respiratory injuries from smoke or fire
• Drowning-related respiratory failure
• Lacerations, puncture wounds, or blunt force injuries
• Shock, loss of consciousness, or cardiac arrest
• Psychological distress if the event involved violence or uncertainty

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes trauma evaluations, imaging studies (CT scans, X-rays, MRIs), wound assessment, toxicology screenings, and forensic documentation. Special attention is given to understanding the mechanism of injury, and multidisciplinary teams may be involved to determine the cause and intent over time.

ICD10 Code Usage

The ICD10 code Y23 is used in emergency medical records, forensic and coroner reports, public health surveillance, and insurance claims. Accurate coding enables tracking of unclear injury causes, supports detailed investigations, informs safety initiatives, and ensures appropriate victim care and legal processing.

Related Codes

• Y21 – Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent
• Y22 – Handgun discharge, undetermined intent
• Y24 – Other and unspecified firearm discharge, undetermined intent
• Y25 – Contact with explosive material, undetermined intent
• Y26 – Exposure to smoke, fire and flames, undetermined intent
• Y27 – Contact with steam, hot vapors and hot objects, undetermined intent
• Y28 – Contact with sharp object, undetermined intent
• Y29 – Contact with blunt object, undetermined intent
• Y30 – Falling, jumping or pushed from a high place, undetermined intent
• Y31 – Falling, lying or running before or into moving object, undetermined intent
• Y32 – Crashing of motor vehicle, undetermined intent
• Y33 – Other specified events, undetermined intent

FAQs

Q1: What does ICD10 code Y23 classify?
A: It classifies injuries where the cause—accidental, intentional, or assault—is undetermined at the time of medical documentation.

Q2: Why is undetermined intent coding important?
A: It ensures that uncertain cases are properly recorded while further investigation or legal proceedings determine the actual cause.

Q3: Can undetermined cases later be reclassified?
A: Yes, based on investigation outcomes, cases may be reclassified as assault, suicide, accident, or natural causes.

Q4: What types of injuries fall under undetermined intent?
A: Injuries from drowning, firearm discharge, falls, vehicle crashes, burns, or blunt trauma with unclear circumstances.

Q5: How does proper documentation benefit victims?
A: It ensures proper medical treatment, legal follow-up, compensation processes, and supports broader public safety research.

Conclusion

Using ICD10 code Y23 for Rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge, undetermined intent allows for comprehensive care, accurate investigation support, and better public health tracking of injuries with uncertain causes, helping improve safety, healthcare quality, and justice outcomes.