Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Acetaminophen Overdose(T39.1X1A, T39.12XA)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acetaminophen Overdose. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Paracetamol OverdoseTylenol Overdose

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acetaminophen Overdose

T39.1Primary Range

Poisoning by 4-aminophenol derivatives

This range includes codes for acetaminophen overdose, specifying the intent of the overdose.

Acute and subacute hepatic failure

Used when acetaminophen overdose results in liver failure.

Coagulation defects, unspecified

Used for coagulopathy resulting from acetaminophen toxicity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T39.1X1APoisoning by 4-aminophenol derivatives, accidental (unintentional), initial encounterUse when the overdose is confirmed as accidental.
  • Patient history indicating accidental ingestion
  • Acetaminophen level >150 mcg/mL at 4 hours post-ingestion
T39.12XAPoisoning by 4-aminophenol derivatives, intentional self-harm, initial encounterUse when the overdose is confirmed as intentional self-harm.
  • Patient history indicating intentional ingestion
  • Psychiatric evaluation confirming self-harm intent

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acetaminophen overdose

Essential facts and insights about Acetaminophen Overdose

The ICD-10 code for acetaminophen overdose is T39.1, with additional characters for intent, such as T39.1X1A for accidental and T39.12XA for intentional self-harm.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acetaminophen overdose

Poisoning by 4-aminophenol derivatives, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient's statement and lab results confirming accidental overdose.

documentation Criteria

  • Clear documentation of accidental ingestion and clinical symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Accidental acetaminophen overdose

Excludes

  • Adverse effect of acetaminophen (T39.15)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient history indicating accidental ingestion
  • Acetaminophen level >150 mcg/mL at 4 hours post-ingestion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification of intent can lead to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the intent and clinical findings to support the chosen code.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Acute and subacute hepatic failure

K72.0
Use when liver failure is a result of the overdose.

Coagulation defects, unspecified

D68.9
Use when there is coagulopathy due to overdose.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Adverse effect of 4-aminophenol derivatives

T39.15
Use when acetaminophen is taken as prescribed but results in an adverse effect.

Accidental acetaminophen overdose

T39.1X1A
Use when overdose is accidental, not intentional.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acetaminophen Overdose to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T39.1X1A.

Impact

Clinical: Affects treatment decisions and patient safety., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of documenting intent., Use templates that prompt for intent documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Misclassification can lead to compliance issues with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of clinical data and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use poisoning codes with intent specification for overdose cases.

Impact

Lack of clear documentation on intent can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks and staff training.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acetaminophen Overdose, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acetaminophen Overdose

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acetaminophen Overdose. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit for Overdose

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient's statement of intent
  • Time and amount of ingestion
  • Clinical symptoms and lab results
  • Treatment provided

Example Documentation

Patient presents with intentional ingestion of 10g acetaminophen. Reports suicidal intent. Labs show ALT 2000 U/L. NAC protocol initiated.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient overdosed on Tylenol.
Good Documentation Example
Patient ingested 10g acetaminophen intentionally at 8 PM. ALT 2000 U/L. NAC started.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on intent, amount, and clinical findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acetaminophen Overdose? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more