10 Strange ICD-10 Codes for 2021 [Infographic]

Did you know that the bottlenose dolphin has between 80 and 100 teeth? Their conical-shaped teeth are ideal for catching fish and squid. If you should get in the way of an angry dolphin, however, that bite will be coded as a W56.01.

In a typical year, it is estimated that 300 million people around the world ride roller coasters on an annual basis. Amazingly, despite the velocity, loop-de-loops and harsh curves, only one injury occurs per one million rides. No matter the rarity, there’s still a code for that. It’s Y93.I1.

Becoming a virtuoso is not without its perils. In fact, neck pain is among the most commonly reported injury among professional pianists. Considered a “playing-related musculoskeletal disorder,” neck pain tends to be more prevalent in musicians with smaller hands. Document it as medical billing code number Y93.J1.

In 2019, the United States Parachute Association reported 2,522 skydiving injuries over the course of approximately 3.3 million skydives. That’s about 1 injury per every 1,310 jumps. Consider that when strapping on your parachute. If you end up entangled in a tree or other object, you’ll be coded as a V97.21.

A male California sea lion can weigh up to 700 pounds and wield a powerful strike. If you find yourself in a rocky cove along the Pacific Coast, keep your distance from this protected species. Otherwise, you may need to be treated for a W56.12.

One in four Americans surveyed by Homes.com have a long-running feud with someone living next to them. They argue about noise, trash, parking and more. It’s coded as Z59.2 if the situation impacts one (or both) of the neighbors’ health status.

Common causes of sibling rivalry include major life changes, jealousy and family dynamics. In some extreme cases, violence and injury occur. So can emotional trauma. No matter the details, when it affects an individual’s health it’s an ICD-10 code Z62.891.

Even experienced water-skiers can find themselves laid up after an unfortunate day on the lake. The most common injuries are sprains and strains. But should your skis actually catch on fire and burn you? Well, that’s a V91.07XD.

The majority of us will never be classified as an X.52, but staying in space too long can be a serious concern for astronauts. Did you know the record holder for the most consecutive days spent in space is Russian cosmonaut, Valery Polyakov? He spent 438 days on the Mir Space Station, beginning in January 1994.

Knit one, purl two. That’s one of the most basic patterns a knitter can learn. Too much needlework, however, is not a good thing. The repetitive motions of knitting and crocheting can lead to tendonitis, carpel tunnel syndrome and blisters. One single medical billing code covers them all: Y93.D1.

So are we. Contact us to learn how you can complete a Medical Billing and Coding certificate program 100% online in as little as 1 year.*