ICD-10 Coding for Acetaminophen Toxicity(T39.1X1A, K71.10)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acetaminophen Toxicity. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acetaminophen Toxicity
T39.1Primary Range
Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of nonopioid analgesics, antipyretics and antirheumatics
This range includes codes for acetaminophen overdose and toxicity, which is the primary focus of this documentation.
Toxic liver disease
This range includes codes for liver damage due to toxins, relevant for cases of acetaminophen-induced liver injury.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| T39.1X1A | Poisoning by acetaminophen, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter | Use when the overdose is accidental and the patient is in the initial encounter. |
|
| K71.10 | Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, not elsewhere classified | Use when there is documented liver damage due to acetaminophen. |
|
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 toxicity
Essential facts and insights about Acetaminophen Toxicity
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acetaminophen toxicity
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Accidental ingestion with elevated serum levels
Applicable To
- Accidental overdose of acetaminophen
Excludes
- Intentional self-harm (T39.1X2A)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented accidental ingestion
- Serum acetaminophen level >10 mcg/mL
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification of intent can lead to incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the intent of overdose.
K71.10 - Toxic liver disease with hepatic necrosis, not elsewhere classified
Use when there is documented liver damage due to acetaminophen.
Applicable To
- Hepatic necrosis due to acetaminophen toxicity
Excludes
- Viral hepatitis (B15-B19)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ALT/AST >1,000 IU/L
- INR >1.5
Coding Notes
Ensure liver function tests are documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Finding of drugs and other substances, not normally found in blood
R78.81Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acetaminophen Toxicity to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T39.1X1A.
Impact
Clinical: Misleading clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for claim denials
Mitigation Strategy
Always ask about the circumstances of ingestion, Include intent in the documentation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure the intent (accidental, intentional, etc.) is documented and coded correctly.
Impact
Coding without specifying intent can lead to audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation clearly states the intent of overdose.
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 Toxicity, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acetaminophen Toxicity
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acetaminophen Toxicity. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Presentation
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Time of ingestion
- Amount ingested
- Serum acetaminophen level
- Liver function tests
- Nomogram application
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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