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ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Intoxication(F10.0, F10.12-, T51.0)

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

Also known as:

Acute Alcohol IntoxicationAlcohol PoisoningDrunkenness

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Alcohol Intoxication

F10.0-F10.99Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol

This range includes all codes related to alcohol use, abuse, dependence, and associated conditions.

T51.0

Toxic effect of alcohol

Used for cases of alcohol poisoning with life-threatening symptoms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F10.0Acute alcohol intoxicationUse when intoxication is the primary reason for the encounter without documented abuse or dependence.
  • BAC ≥0.08%
  • Impaired coordination or speech
F10.12-Alcohol abuse with intoxicationUse when there is documented recurrent misuse with acute intoxication.
  • AUDIT score ≥8
  • Social or occupational impairment
T51.0Toxic effect of alcoholUse for life-threatening alcohol poisoning cases.
  • BAC >0.4%
  • Respiratory depression or coma

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 alcohol intoxication

Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Intoxication

The ICD-10 code for acute alcohol intoxication is F10.0, used when intoxication is the primary reason for the encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for alcohol intoxication

F10.0
Acute alcohol intoxication
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute intoxication symptoms with BAC ≥0.08%

documentation Criteria

  • Provider documentation explicitly states 'acute alcohol intoxication'

Applicable To

  • Acute drunkenness in alcoholism
  • Drunkenness NOS

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BAC ≥0.08%
  • Impaired coordination or speech

Code-Specific Risks

  • Assuming intoxication without clinical documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure clinical signs of intoxication are documented alongside BAC levels.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Blood alcohol level

Y90.-
Use to specify the exact BAC level when documented.

Differential Codes

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

Alcohol abuse with intoxication

F10.12-
Use when there is documented recurrent misuse with acute intoxication.

Alcohol dependence with intoxication

F10.22-
Use when there is documented chronic use with tolerance or withdrawal.

Acute alcohol intoxication

F10.0
Use when there is no documented abuse or dependence.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcohol Intoxication to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clinical signs are documented alongside BAC levels.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment affecting payment., Compliance: Potential audit issues., Data Quality: Misrepresentation of patient's condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Differentiate based on documentation of abuse.

Impact

Risk of audit if intoxication symptoms are not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all clinical signs are recorded in the patient's chart.

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

Documentation Templates for Alcohol Intoxication

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

Emergency Department Visit for Acute Intoxication

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • History of alcohol consumption
  • Physical exam findings
  • BAC level
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with slurred speech and BAC of 0.25%. Diagnosed with acute alcohol intoxication.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient appears drunk.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits slurred speech and ataxia with BAC 0.25%.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and BAC level, supporting the diagnosis.

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

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