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ICD-10 Coding for Intoxication(F10.0, T40.1X1A)

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

Also known as:

Substance intoxicationAcute intoxication

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Intoxication

F10-F19Primary Range

Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use

This range includes codes for intoxication, harmful use, and dependence on various substances.

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances

These codes are used for poisoning cases, including overdoses and toxic effects.

Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source

These codes cover toxic effects from nonmedicinal substances.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F10.0Alcohol intoxicationUse when the patient presents with signs of alcohol intoxication and a confirmed BAL.
  • Clinical signs such as slurred speech, unsteady gait
  • Blood alcohol level (BAL) ≥ 80 mg/dL
T40.1X1APoisoning by heroin, accidental (unintentional), initial encounterUse for cases of heroin overdose with clinical confirmation.
  • Positive urine opioid panel
  • Respiratory depression or unresponsiveness

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 alcohol intoxication

Essential facts and insights about Intoxication

The ICD-10 code for alcohol intoxication is F10.0, used when clinical signs and a blood alcohol level confirm intoxication.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intoxication

Alcohol intoxication
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute behavioral changes and substance exposure

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of intoxication due to alcohol

Applicable To

  • Acute alcohol intoxication

Excludes

  • Alcohol dependence (F10.2)
  • Alcohol withdrawal (F10.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Clinical signs such as slurred speech, unsteady gait
  • Blood alcohol level (BAL) ≥ 80 mg/dL

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if BAL is documented without clinical signs

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation links clinical signs to alcohol use.

Ancillary Codes

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

Coma, unspecified

R40.20
Use when coma is a result of intoxication.

Differential Codes

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

Alcohol abuse

F10.1
Use F10.1 for chronic patterns of misuse without acute intoxication.

Adverse effect of heroin, initial encounter

T40.1X5A
Use T40.1X5A for adverse effects from therapeutic use.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intoxication to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.0.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the substance in the clinical notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available based on documentation.

Impact

Failure to document the specific substance can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist to ensure all documentation includes substance specificity.

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

Documentation Templates for Intoxication

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

Emergency Department presentation with substance intoxication

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Clinical signs of intoxication
  • Substance involved
  • Toxicology results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with slurred speech and unsteady gait. BAL confirmed at 120 mg/dL. Diagnosed with acute alcohol intoxication.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient intoxicated.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with slurred speech and unsteady gait due to acute alcohol intoxication.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical signs and links them to the intoxication.

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

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