ICD-10 Coding for Anoxia(G93.1, I46.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anoxia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Anoxia
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| G93.1 | Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified | Use when anoxic injury is confirmed and not due to a specific etiology like cardiac arrest. |
|
| I46.9 | Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified | Use when anoxia results from a cardiac event. |
|
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 anoxic brain injury
Essential facts and insights about Anoxia
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anoxia
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- ABG shows PaO₂ <60 mmHg with neurological deficits
Applicable To
- Anoxic brain injury
Excludes
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (P91.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- ABG shows PaO₂ <60 mmHg with neurological deficits
- EEG shows diffuse slowing without focal lesions
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding without specifying the cause can lead to reimbursement issues.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the cause and manifestations of anoxia clearly.
I46.9 - Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified
Use when anoxia results from a cardiac event.
Applicable To
- Cardiac arrest
Excludes
- Cardiac arrest due to trauma (T71.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- EMS records show pulselessness >4 minutes prior to ROSC
Coding Notes
Sequence cardiac arrest code before anoxic brain injury code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Coma scales
R40.2-Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anoxia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G93.1.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of clinical scenario., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Review coding guidelines for drowning-related anoxia.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Omit R41.82 unless distinct new psychosis develops.
Impact
Failure to sequence underlying cause before anoxic injury.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate staff on proper sequencing rules.
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 Anoxia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Anoxia
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anoxia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Anoxic brain injury following cardiac arrest
Specialty: NeurologyRequired Elements
- Neurological examination
- ABG results
- EEG findings
- MRI results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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