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ICD-10 Coding for Anoxic Encephalopathy(G93.1)

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

Also known as:

Anoxic Brain DamageHypoxic Encephalopathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anoxic Encephalopathy

G93.0-G93.9Primary Range

Other disorders of brain

This range includes codes for various brain disorders, with G93.1 specifically addressing anoxic brain damage.

Cardiac arrest

Relevant for coding underlying causes of anoxic encephalopathy, such as cardiac arrest.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for anoxic encephalopathy

Essential facts and insights about Anoxic Encephalopathy

The ICD-10 code for anoxic encephalopathy is G93.1, used for anoxic brain damage not elsewhere classified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for anoxic encephalopathy

Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of anoxic brain damage symptoms and diagnostic findings.

documentation Criteria

  • Specific mention of 'anoxic encephalopathy' in medical records.

Applicable To

  • Anoxic encephalopathy

Excludes

  • Toxic encephalopathy (G92)
  • Metabolic encephalopathy (G93.41)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤8 for >24 hours
  • MRI/CT showing bilateral basal ganglia hypodensities
  • Elevated neuron-specific enolase (NSE) >33 ng/ml

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect coding if underlying cause is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'anoxic' and links to underlying causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified

I46.9
Use when anoxia is due to cardiac arrest.

Differential Codes

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

Toxic encephalopathy

G92
Use G92 if encephalopathy is due to toxic substances.

Metabolic encephalopathy

G93.41
Use G93.41 if encephalopathy is due to metabolic disturbances.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anoxic Encephalopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G93.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incomplete treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation of all relevant clinical findings., Use templates to guide documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use G93.1 alone unless a separate condition justifies additional coding.

Impact

Risk of audits due to vague documentation of encephalopathy.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terms and link to underlying causes.

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 Anoxic Encephalopathy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anoxic Encephalopathy

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

Post-cardiac arrest with anoxic encephalopathy

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • History of cardiac arrest
  • GCS score
  • EEG findings
  • MRI/CT results
  • Serum NSE levels

Example Documentation

62M with 12-minute out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, ROSC after 2 rounds of epinephrine. GCS 7 (E2 V2 M3), absent corneal reflexes, decorticate posturing. MRI FLAIR hyperintensity in caudate nuclei. NSE 48 ng/ml (day 2), lactate 5.2 mmol/L. Impression: Severe anoxic encephalopathy (G93.1) secondary to cardiac arrest (I46.9).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Confusion after cardiac arrest.
Good Documentation Example
Anoxic encephalopathy with GCS 8, EEG showing generalized periodic discharges, due to STEMI (I21.3) with 10-minute PEA arrest.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of encephalopathy, GCS score, and underlying cause, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anoxic Encephalopathy? Ask your questions below.

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