What does ICD-10 code Y38 mean?

ICD-10 code Y38 is the standardized code used for terrorism in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code Y38 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code Y38 when recording terrorism in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code Y38 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code Y38: Terrorism

Name: ICD-10 Code Y38: Terrorism
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:49:34.119Z

Y38 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Terrorism. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents terrorism in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

20External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)

block

Y35-Y38Legal intervention, operations of war, military operations, and terrorism

currentY35-Y38

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms

These codes are for use to identify injuries resulting from the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objective

Applicable to

code for place of occurrence (Y92.-)

Use additional code

code for place of occurrence (Y92.-)

7th character notes

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category Y38
initial encounter
subsequent encounter
sequela

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Sibling codes

Y35Legal intervention Y36Operations of war Y37Military operations

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Terrorism

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.