Holiday Health

By Dr. Rebecca Katzman

The World Health Organization publishes the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) to create a standardized numeric classification for medical conditions and diseases. This classification has become increasingly detailed with diagnoses or specifications that may never have been considered previously. Although medical providers do not routinely use these classifications in determining the care of the patient, here are a few holiday related conditions that might arise during the recent or upcoming holidays:
If you come to the emergency department because of an injury that occurs during sledding, that’s a Y93.23. If you are putting up or taking down lights and fall from a ladder it’s a W11, but if you fall from a tree it’s a W14.
There are lots of enjoyable activities during the holidays, but be careful you don’t experience an injury during Y93.G3 (activity involving baking or cooking) or a Y93.D (activities involving arts or handicrafts). Trying to get kids off their phones? Tell them you are worried about an injury involving Y93.C2 (activity, hand held interactive electronic device)
Holidays can be a tough time physically and emotionally. Z62.891 is the classification for sibling rivalry and Z63.1 indicates problems in relationships with in-laws.
If you happen to be vacationing somewhere warm, be careful you don’t suffer a V91.37 – hit or struck by falling object due to accident on water-skis.
Even Santa is not immune to troubles around the holidays. If he got stuck in a chimney, we would classify that a S30.841 – external constriction of abdominal wall.
Although I mean for much of this to be lighthearted, we do know that winter holidays can be a prime time for injuries and illness. Continue to take good care of yourself and your families and know that your medical team is here for you regardless of the time of year!