Which statement correctly identifies the use of external cause codes V00–Y99?

• A. V00–Y99 identify internal diseases.
• B. V00–Y99 identify the severity of injuries.
• C. V00–Y99 used to identify external causes of injury or accident when documented.
• D. V00–Y99 are used for routine exams.

Answer: (C)

External cause codes from V00–Y99 are used to capture how an injury or accident happened. They describe the mechanism or context of the injury (for example, the event that led to the injury and the factors around it) and are added when the medical record documents that information. This is why the correct choice is that these codes identify external causes of injury or accident when documented. They do not reflect internal diseases, they do not indicate the severity of an injury, and they are not used for routine exams. If the chart notes a specific external event—like a fall, a motor vehicle crash, or exposure to a hazard—you would include the relevant external cause code alongside the primary diagnosis.