Final Answer:
External cause codes are supplemental codes that capture the external cause of injury or poisoning, the intent, and the place where the event occurred.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blank space can be filled with "External cause codes," which play a crucial role in providing additional information about the circumstances surrounding an injury or poisoning. These codes, typically found in the ICD-10 coding system, help healthcare professionals and statisticians understand more than just the injury itself.
They delve into the why, how, and where of the incident. For instance, they can indicate whether the injury was accidental or intentional, the specific external cause (such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident), the intent behind the action, and even the location where the event occurred.
In essence, external cause codes contribute to a more comprehensive and detailed picture of the factors surrounding an injury or poisoning event.