ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Reader Question:
Be Alert When Assigning Consciousness Codes
Published on Sat Nov 17, 2007
Question: The ED physician saw a patient and documented the reason for the visit as -Episodes of abnormality of consciousness of uncertain etiology.- Which ICD-9 codes apply to this condition? Indiana Subscriber If the patient states that she actually went unconscious during the episode, you should instead report 780.09 (Alteration of consciousness; other).
Answer: For this diagnosis, report 780.02 (Transient alteration of awareness). According to the ICD-9 manual, 780.02 includes -temporary, recurring spells of reduced consciousness,- which sounds as if it fits what your patient experienced during her visit.
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