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ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure(F10.230, R56.8)

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

Also known as:

Withdrawal SeizureAlcohol-Related Seizure

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure

F10.23-F10.239Primary Range

Alcohol dependence with withdrawal

Primary range for coding alcohol withdrawal seizures, capturing the withdrawal state.

R56.8

Other convulsions

Used as an ancillary code to specify seizure activity in the context of alcohol withdrawal.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F10.230Alcohol dependence with withdrawal, uncomplicatedUse when documenting a seizure directly linked to alcohol withdrawal without additional complications.
  • Seizure occurring 6-48 hours after last alcohol intake
  • Blood alcohol level near zero
  • No other seizure etiology
R56.8Other convulsionsUse as an ancillary code to specify seizure activity in the context of alcohol withdrawal.
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizure with normal neuroimaging/EEG

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 withdrawal seizure

Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure

The ICD-10 code for alcohol withdrawal seizure is F10.230, with R56.8 for seizure activity.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for alcohol withdrawal seizure

F10.230
Alcohol dependence with withdrawal, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Seizure occurs within 6-48 hours after last drink with no other cause.

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of seizure due to alcohol withdrawal.

Applicable To

  • Alcohol withdrawal without complications

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Seizure occurring 6-48 hours after last alcohol intake
  • Blood alcohol level near zero
  • No other seizure etiology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misidentifying the seizure as due to intoxication rather than withdrawal.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links the seizure to alcohol withdrawal.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Other convulsions

R56.8
Use to specify seizure activity when linked to alcohol withdrawal.

Differential Codes

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

Epilepsy, unspecified, not intractable, without status epilepticus

G40.909
Use when epilepsy is documented as a separate condition.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.230.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement due to incorrect DRG.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies 'due to alcohol withdrawal'., Review patient history for alcohol use.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the causal relationship between alcohol withdrawal and seizures.

Impact

Failure to document the causal relationship between alcohol withdrawal and seizures.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation templates that prompt for specific details.

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 Withdrawal Seizure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure

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

Emergency Department Admission for Alcohol Withdrawal Seizure

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient alcohol use history
  • Time since last drink
  • Seizure characteristics
  • Exclusion of other causes

Example Documentation

48M with 10-year history of daily 12-beer consumption, last drink 36 hours prior. Presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 90 seconds. CIWA-Ar 18. Labs: EtOH 0 mg/dL, Na+ 138. CT head unremarkable. Diagnosis: Alcohol withdrawal seizure.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Seizure, likely alcohol-related.
Good Documentation Example
Generalized seizure 28 hours after last drink. EtOH 0 mg/dL. CIWA-Ar 20. No prior epilepsy. Diagnosed alcohol withdrawal seizure.
Explanation
The good example provides specific timing, lab results, and excludes other causes, ensuring accurate coding.

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

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