Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Intentional Overdose(T40.4X2A)

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

Also known as:

Deliberate OverdoseSuicidal OverdoseIntentional Drug Overdose

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intentional Overdose

T36-T50Primary Range

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances

This range includes codes for poisoning by various substances, with the 6th character '2' indicating intentional self-harm.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for intentional overdose

Essential facts and insights about Intentional Overdose

Intentional overdose is coded using T36-T50 with the 6th character '2'. Example: T40.4X2A for synthetic narcotics.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for intentional overdose

Poisoning by synthetic narcotics, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed overdose with suicidal intent

Applicable To

  • Intentional fentanyl overdose

Excludes

  • Accidental poisoning by synthetic narcotics

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Serum fentanyl >3 ng/mL
  • Documented intent of self-harm

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification of intent can lead to incorrect coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies intent and substance for accurate coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Respiratory arrest

R09.2
Use to indicate respiratory complications due to overdose.

Differential Codes

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

Poisoning by cannabis, intentional self-harm

T40.7X2A
Use when toxicology confirms cannabis as the substance involved.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intentional Overdose to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T40.4X2A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misinterpretation of patient condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always clarify intent in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can affect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always sequence poisoning code first unless provider states otherwise.

Impact

Lack of clear documentation on intent can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes explicit statements of intent.

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

Documentation Templates for Intentional Overdose

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

Emergency Department Note

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient statement of intent
  • Substance involved
  • Clinical findings
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

Patient states, 'I took 20 lorazepam pills 2 hours ago to kill myself.' Denies alcohol use. Last meal: 6hr ago. BP 80/50, RR 8, GCS 10. Pupils: pinpoint. Urine tox+: benzodiazepines. ECG: prolonged QTc.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient overdosed on unknown substance.
Good Documentation Example
Patient admitted after intentional ingestion of 50mg amitriptyline with suicidal intent. Serum level: 350 ng/mL (toxic >500 ng/mL). Responded to naloxone.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the substance, intent, and clinical response, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Intentional Overdose? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more