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ICD-10 Coding for Hypoxic Brain Damage(G93.1, P91.6)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hypoxic Brain Damage. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Anoxic Brain InjuryHypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypoxic Brain Damage

G93.1Primary Range

Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified

Primary code for acquired hypoxic brain injury in adults.

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Specific to neonatal cases of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G93.1Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classifiedUse when imaging confirms diffuse cortical injury and clinical evidence of hypoxia is present.
  • MRI showing cortical laminar necrosis
  • ABG with pH <7.2, lactate >4 mmol/L
P91.6Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathyUse for neonatal cases meeting Sarnat staging criteria.
  • Apgar score ≤5 at 10 mins
  • Multi-organ dysfunction

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 hypoxic brain damage

Essential facts and insights about Hypoxic Brain Damage

The ICD-10 code for hypoxic brain damage is G93.1, used for acquired hypoxic brain injury in adults.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hypoxic brain damage

Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Imaging and laboratory findings confirm hypoxic injury.

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific cause and clinical findings.

Applicable To

  • Hypoxic brain damage
  • Anoxic brain injury

Excludes

  • Traumatic brain injury (S06.-)
  • Metabolic encephalopathy (G93.41)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing cortical laminar necrosis
  • ABG with pH <7.2, lactate >4 mmol/L

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with traumatic brain injury codes
  • Not linking to underlying cause

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation links hypoxic damage to its cause.

Ancillary Codes

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

Coma

R40.2
Use to specify severity of altered consciousness.

Differential Codes

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

Traumatic brain injury

S06.-
Presence of trauma-related findings like skull fracture or hematoma.

Metabolic encephalopathy

G93.41
Presence of metabolic disturbances such as electrolyte imbalances.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify cause and clinical findings., Use structured templates.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure hypoxia is documented and use G93.1.

Impact

Failure to code underlying cause first.

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 Hypoxic Brain Damage, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hypoxic Brain Damage

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hypoxic Brain Damage. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Hypoxic brain injury post-cardiac arrest

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Cause of hypoxia
  • Neurological assessment
  • Imaging results
  • Laboratory findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Brain injury due to lack of oxygen.
Good Documentation Example
Hypoxic encephalopathy secondary to cardiac arrest. MRI: Bilateral cortical hyperintensity. ABG: pH 7.1, lactate 5.8 mmol/L.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause, imaging, and lab findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hypoxic Brain Damage? Ask your questions below.

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