Toxic and Metabolic Encephalopathy
Per Coding Clinic, Second Quarter 2024:
When a patient has both toxic encephalopathy and metabolic encephalopathy and they are due to TWO SEPARATE CAUSES, both should be coded.
Code Example:
A patient presented to the ED with complaints of lethargy and was admitted and diagnosed with sepsis due to UTI. The patient was also diagnosed with metabolic encephalopathy due to the sepsis and toxic encephalopathy secondary to pain medication that was properly administered.
Code Assignment:
Assign BOTH Codes: G93.41, Metabolic encephalopathy AND G92.8, Other toxic encephalopathy.
The Excludes2 note at subcategory G93.4, Other and unspecified encephalopathy, allows the reporting of code G93.41 with code G92.8 when appropriate.
Looking for Coding help?
Learn more about e4health Coding Solutions. Our Team is leading the way in Healthcare Coding and Education.
e4health Coding Education
Need help to earn CEUs or education your team? Visit the IQ Education Center and get your free account or contact us for more information. e4health is dedicated to elevating the business of healthcare. We are committed to offering support and the most current information and updates to collaborate with coding and CDI professionals to realize their fullest potential. We enthusiastically seek opportunities to develop ourselves and each other. We understand that knowledge is the key to success for our clients navigating the ever-changing health information management landscape.
Kim Felix, RHIA, CCS
Director of Education
(215) 200-1788
kfelix@e4.health
Lori Harbison, LPN, CCDS, CDIP, CCS
Coding Operations Manager
(216) 501-2058
lharbison@e4.health
e4health is Empowering Better Health. Serving more than 400 health systems and providers nationwide, e4health solves the most difficult challenges in the mid-revenue cycle with innovative and flexible healthcare solutions that deliver results, drive change, protect investments, and support long term value. Learn more at e4.health.
The information and opinions presented here are based on the experience, training, and interpretation of e4health. Although the information has been researched and reviewed for accuracy, e4health does not accept any responsibility or liability regarding errors, omissions, misuse, or misinterpretation. This information is intended as a guide; it should not be considered a legal/consulting opinion or advice.