Name of the Condition

• Contact with electric knife, subsequent encounter

Summary

• This condition refers to an individual’s second (or subsequent) encounter with medical professionals regarding an injury sustained from contact with an electric knife. Electric knives are motorized kitchen or other utility devices used for cutting or carving.

Causes

• Injuries are typically caused by accidental contact with the blade of an electric knife, which can occur during its use or handling when not in operation. Causes may include improper handling or malfunctioning of the device.

Risk Factors

• Individuals using electric knives without proper training or attention, particularly in kitchen settings.
• Operating a faulty or poorly maintained electric knife.
• Young children or individuals with impaired motor skills using such devices.

Symptoms

• Lacerations or cuts on the skin.
• Possible deep tissue damage, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Pain, bleeding, and swelling around the injury site.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to assess the extent of the cuts or wounds.
• Review of the patient’s history of the incident to understand the mechanism of injury.

Treatment Options

• Cleaning and dressing of the wound to prevent infection.
• Stitches or sutures if the cut is deep.
• Pain management with over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers.
• In severe cases, surgical intervention might be needed to repair any extensive tissue damage.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis is generally good with proper treatment and wound care.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor healing and prevent infection.
• Patients are advised to return for further evaluation if symptoms of complications arise.

Complications

• Infection at the injury site if not properly cleaned and treated.
• Scarring, especially if the wound required extensive repair.
• Potential nerve or tendon damage in severe cases.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Handle electric knives with care and attention.
• Regularly maintain and inspect the device for any defects or malfunctions.
• Use protective equipment, if available, and adhere to safe operating procedures.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If the cut is deep and bleeding does not stop.
• If there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.
• Persistent severe pain that doesn’t improve with usual pain relief measures.

Additional Resources

• American Red Cross - First Aid Tips
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Injury Prevention

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the coding reflects a subsequent encounter (use of the "D" in the ICD code signifies this).
• Verify that documentation clearly states the injury was related to an electric knife.
• Avoid confusion with initial encounters (coded as "A") or sequelae (coded as "S").