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ICD-10 Coding for Hypoxic Brain Injury(G93.1)

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

Also known as:

Anoxic Brain InjuryHypoxic EncephalopathyAnoxic Encephalopathy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypoxic Brain Injury

G93.1Primary Range

Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified

Primary code for documenting hypoxic brain injury when the cause is not specified elsewhere.

Cardiac arrest and arrhythmias

Used to document the underlying cause of hypoxic brain injury when due to cardiac events.

Acute respiratory failure

Used to document the underlying cause of hypoxic brain injury when due to respiratory failure.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hypoxic brain injury

Essential facts and insights about Hypoxic Brain Injury

The ICD-10 code for hypoxic brain injury is G93.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hypoxic brain injury

Anoxic brain damage, not elsewhere classified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of neurological deficits post-hypoxia

documentation Criteria

  • Documented duration of hypoxia and neurological findings

Applicable To

  • Hypoxic brain injury
  • Anoxic encephalopathy

Excludes

  • Traumatic brain injury (S06.-)
  • Toxic encephalopathy (G92)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing diffuse cortical injury
  • EEG showing burst suppression
  • ABG showing hypoxia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documenting the cause leading to unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Always document the underlying cause to ensure accurate coding.

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 hypoxic brain injury is due to cardiac arrest.

Acute respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia

J96.00
Use when hypoxic brain injury is due to respiratory failure.

Differential Codes

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

Toxic encephalopathy

G92
Use when brain damage is due to toxins, not hypoxia.

Hepatic encephalopathy

K76.82
Use when brain damage is due to liver failure.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypoxic Brain Injury 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 the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always link cognitive symptoms to hypoxia when applicable., Use specific codes for hypoxic injury.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG weights and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the underlying cause such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

Impact

Failure to document the cause of hypoxia can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist for documenting hypoxic events.

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

Documentation Templates for Hypoxic Brain Injury

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

Post-cardiac arrest hypoxic brain injury

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Duration of hypoxia
  • Neurological findings
  • Imaging results
  • Underlying cause

Example Documentation

Patient experienced an 8-minute cardiac arrest leading to hypoxic brain injury. MRI shows diffuse cortical injury. EEG indicates burst suppression.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Brain injury from lack of oxygen.
Good Documentation Example
Hypoxic encephalopathy due to 8-minute cardiac arrest with MRI showing diffuse cortical injury.
Explanation
The good example specifies the cause and provides imaging evidence.

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

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