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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Alcohol Withdrawal(F10.230, F10.231, F10.232)

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

Also known as:

Alcohol Withdrawal SyndromeAlcohol Withdrawal Delirium

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

F10.23-F10.239Primary Range

Alcohol withdrawal codes

These codes are used to classify the various stages and complications of alcohol withdrawal.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
F10.230Alcohol withdrawal, uncomplicatedUse when the patient exhibits mild withdrawal symptoms without delirium or seizures.
  • Documented history of alcohol use
  • Symptoms of withdrawal without complications
F10.231Alcohol withdrawal deliriumUse when the patient exhibits delirium symptoms during withdrawal.
  • Documented delirium symptoms
  • CIWA-Ar score indicating severe withdrawal
F10.232Alcohol withdrawal with perceptual disturbancesUse when the patient has hallucinations without delirium.
  • Documented perceptual disturbances without delirium

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 acute alcohol withdrawal

Essential facts and insights about Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

The ICD-10 code for acute alcohol withdrawal is F10.230 for uncomplicated cases, F10.231 for withdrawal delirium, and F10.232 for withdrawal with perceptual disturbances.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal, uncomplicated
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits mild withdrawal symptoms without delirium or seizures.

Applicable To

  • Mild tremors
  • Anxiety
  • Autonomic hyperactivity

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented history of alcohol use
  • Symptoms of withdrawal without complications

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if complications are present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the absence of complications.

Differential Codes

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

Alcohol withdrawal delirium

F10.231
Presence of delirium symptoms such as hallucinations and disorientation.

Alcohol withdrawal, uncomplicated

F10.230
Absence of delirium symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Alcohol Withdrawal to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code F10.230.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit issues., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on detailed documentation practices., Use standardized templates.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: May result in compliance issues during audits., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies delirium to use F10.231.

Impact

Failure to document delirium symptoms accurately.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and CIWA-Ar scoring.

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 Acute Alcohol Withdrawal, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

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

Emergency Department Evaluation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • CIWA-Ar score
  • Symptom onset
  • Medications administered

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient is withdrawing from alcohol.
Good Documentation Example
Patient with 10-year history of alcohol use presents with CIWA-Ar score of 22, exhibiting hallucinations and disorientation.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and history, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Alcohol Withdrawal? Ask your questions below.

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