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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Alcohol Intoxication(F10.129, F10.221)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Alcohol Intoxication. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Alcohol PoisoningAlcohol Overdose

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Alcohol Intoxication

F10.1-F10.9Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

This range includes codes for various conditions related to alcohol use, including intoxication, abuse, and dependence.

Blood alcohol level

These codes are used to document blood alcohol levels when linked to an F10 condition.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F10.129Alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicatedUse when the patient has alcohol abuse with signs of intoxication but no complications.
  • Documented alcohol abuse
  • Symptoms of intoxication such as slurred speech or unsteady gait
F10.221Alcohol dependence with intoxication deliriumUse when the patient has alcohol dependence and delirium due to intoxication.
  • Documented alcohol dependence
  • Delirium symptoms such as confusion or agitation

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 acute alcohol intoxication

Essential facts and insights about Acute Alcohol Intoxication

The ICD-10 code for acute alcohol intoxication is F10.129 for alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated, and F10.221 for alcohol dependence with intoxication delirium.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute alcohol intoxication

Alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits signs of intoxication without complications.

Applicable To

  • Mild impairment without complications

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented alcohol abuse
  • Symptoms of intoxication such as slurred speech or unsteady gait

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if complications are present but not documented

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'intoxication' and not just BAC levels.

Ancillary Codes

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

Blood alcohol level of 240-299 mg/100mL

Y90.8
Use to document BAC when linked to intoxication.

Differential Codes

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

Alcohol dependence with intoxication delirium

F10.221
Use when there is documented alcohol dependence and delirium due to intoxication.

Alcohol withdrawal delirium

F10.231
Use when delirium occurs 48-72 hours after last drink.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Alcohol Intoxication to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.129.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates to ensure all elements are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure timing and symptoms are documented to differentiate intoxication from withdrawal.

Impact

Failure to document intoxication can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation explicitly states intoxication and related symptoms.

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 Acute Alcohol Intoxication, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Alcohol Intoxication. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history of alcohol use
  • Current symptoms and BAC level
  • Linkage of symptoms to intoxication

Example Documentation

Patient presents with confusion and BAC 280 mg/dL. Documented as 'acute alcohol intoxication with delirium.'

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient intoxicated.
Good Documentation Example
Acute alcohol intoxication with delirium: Patient agitated, disoriented, BAC 280 mg/dL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and links them to intoxication.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Alcohol Intoxication? Ask your questions below.

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