icd 10 diagnosis code for encephalopathy

What is the ICd 10 code for encephalopathy?

Indexed in ICD-10-CM to G92 is caused by exposure to neurotoxic substance, poisoning or OD and can be caused by everyday products that we use. Treatment is geared towards the cause or the symptoms. This type of encephalopathy is most often irreversible.

What are the most common types of encephalopathy?

The most common types we see are toxic encephalopathy, metabolic encephalopathy, anoxic encephalopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, hypertensive encephalopathy, acute encephalopathy and just documentation of encephalopathy. This is only a short list of entries under encephalopathy in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index.

What is a diagnosis that coders see a lot these days?

Coding Tip: Encephalopathy. Encephalopathy is a diagnosis that coders see a lot these days. It is a general term and means brain disease, brain damage or malfunction. The primary symptom that is seen in the healthcare record is altered mental status.

What is the ICd 10 code for G93.40?

Indexed in ICD-10-CM to G93.40 is caused by either a direct injury to the brain or an illness. Most times, the cause is known but not documented by the physician for coders and no further specific code can be assigned.

What is the ICd 10 code for drug induced toxic?

Indexed in ICD-10-CM to G93.41 (there are also entries for drug induced and toxic) is caused by lack of glucose, metabolic agent or electrolyte imbalance. An electrolyte imbalance can be cause by a large number of conditions including, dehydration, trauma, renal failure, and infection. Treatment is geared towards the cause or the symptoms and is most often reversible once the metabolic issue is corrected.

Is hepatic encephalopathy a coma?

The diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy does not mean “coma” is always present. In order for a coder to report that this is with coma, the MD would need to document as such. This is a possibly reversible condition with the appropriate treatment and compliance with the treatment.

Is encephalopathy due to postictal state coded separately?

Remember that encephalopathy due to postictal state is not coded separately as it is integral to the seizure (see AHA CC 4Q2013 Page: 89-90)

What is encephalopathy in medical terms?

Encephalopathy is a general term and means brain disease, brain damage or malfunction. Physicians often use encephalopathy and altered mental status interchangeably. When coders see this documentation in the healthcare records, they typically need to query the physician for clarification of the diagnosis. Sometimes, we find ourselves wanting to scream! There is already a coding tip on the most common types of encephalopathy on the HIA blog .

When encephalopathy is due to postictal state, is it coded separately?

When encephalopathy is due to postictal state it is not coded separately since it is considered to be integral to the seizure

When should a physician be specific about encephalopathy?

Even when the cause is known , such as metabolic issues, the physician should be specific with the documentation. This will make it much easier for an auditor to follow the “treatment” and or “monitoring” that is being given for the diagnosis of encephalopathy.

Do encephalopathy diagnoses need to be documented?

These are either for missed queries or for clinical validation. All diagnoses must be documented and clinically supported to meet the Universal Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS) definition of a secondary diagnosis. Coders should be reviewing the medical records looking for clear and consistent documentation of the diagnosis as well as treatment, or other criteria, making sure that the diagnosis meets the UHDDS definition for reporting.

Can encephalopathy be reversed?

There is one type of encephalopathy that cannot be reversed. Static encephalopathy is an altered mental state or brain damage that is permanent. The best possible outcome is to possibly prevent further damage.

Is encephalopathy a viral infection?

Infection/viral— documentation of encephalopathy is seen often in patients with sepsis, COVID-19, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and many other bacterial or viral diseases

Is encephalopathy a symptom of altered mental status?

There are many symptoms associated with encephalopathy, but there is one symptom that is present in all types and that is altered mental status. Coders cringe when they see that documented as well.