ICD-10-CM diagnosis code
W56.12XA Struck by sea lion, initial encounter
- Billable
- Yes, a complete code (FY2026)
- Category
- W56 Contact with marine animal
Encounter (7th character)
This code is for the initial encounter: the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition (for example surgery, an emergency department visit or evaluation by a new clinician).
Documenting W56.12XA? Write the note in seconds
Paste your rough notes and get a structured SOAP note. Free, no account needed.
Other codes in W56
63 complete codes in this category.
- W56.09XAOther contact with dolphin, initial encounter
- W56.09XDOther contact with dolphin, subsequent encounter
- W56.09XSOther contact with dolphin, sequela
- W56.11XABitten by sea lion, initial encounter
- W56.11XDBitten by sea lion, subsequent encounter
- W56.11XSBitten by sea lion, sequela
- W56.12XAStruck by sea lion, initial encounter
- W56.12XDStruck by sea lion, subsequent encounter
- W56.12XSStruck by sea lion, sequela
- W56.19XAOther contact with sea lion, initial encounter
- W56.19XDOther contact with sea lion, subsequent encounter
- W56.19XSOther contact with sea lion, sequela
Documentation tips
- Make sure the note supports every element of the title, “Struck by sea lion, initial encounter”: each detail in it should be traceable to the history, examination or assessment.
- Code to the highest specificity the documentation supports. If a detail is missing from the note, add it to the note rather than choosing a less specific code by default.
- Check the Tabular List and official guidelines for instructional notes (“code first”, “use additional code”, Excludes1/Excludes2) that apply to W56.
The international WHO ICD-10 also has W56, with its inclusion and exclusion notes; titles and detail can differ from ICD-10-CM.
ICD-10-CM is developed by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is based on the WHO ICD-10. Codes and titles are reproduced unchanged from the FY2026 code list (effective 1 October 2025). Their use here does not imply endorsement by CDC, HHS or the U.S. Government. Changes effective on or after 1 October 2026 may not be reflected yet; check the current release at cdc.gov or cms.gov before submitting claims.
Look up another code
Stop looking codes up by hand
Docdemic listens to the consultation, writes the note and suggests the diagnosis and procedure codes that fit it, each one checked against your country’s official code list.
Try Docdemic free