2025 ICD-10-CM code F18
Inhalant-related disorders.
Medical necessity for services related to inhalant-related disorders must be established by demonstrating that the individual's condition significantly impairs their physical or mental health and requires medical intervention.The documentation should support the diagnosis and the need for the specific services provided, such as detoxification, therapy, or medication management.
The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing inhalant-related disorders falls on healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychiatrists, and addiction specialists.They are responsible for assessing the patient's medical history, signs and symptoms, personal and social behaviors, and conducting a physical examination. Laboratory tests may be ordered to detect specific inhalants in blood, urine, or other bodily fluids. Treatment approaches often involve a multidisciplinary approach, including education, prevention, counseling, residential treatment, and family and group therapy.Treatment of organ damage, injuries, or suffocation resulting from inhalant abuse may also be necessary.
In simple words: Inhalant-related disorders are caused by repeatedly breathing in vapors from things like aerosols, gases, and solvents. These substances quickly enter the bloodstream and affect the brain. Even one-time use can be dangerous and cause brain damage or death.
Inhalant-related disorders refer to conditions caused by repeated breathing in of vapors, usually from common legal products (aerosols, gases, and other products that contain hydrocarbons or volatile solvents). These substances reach the bloodstream quickly and cause significant psychoactive effects. Sometimes a single use can cause brain damage and even death.
Example 1: A 15-year-old male is brought to the emergency room after being found unresponsive in his bedroom with a bag containing spray paint fumes next to him. He exhibits slurred speech, lack of coordination, and disorientation upon regaining consciousness. This scenario suggests acute inhalant intoxication, and the diagnosis would be F18.9, Inhalant use, unspecified., A 20-year-old female presents to a clinic with complaints of persistent headaches, muscle weakness, and tingling sensations in her extremities. She admits to chronic use of paint thinner for its intoxicating effects.Based on her history and symptoms, she is diagnosed with F18.2, Inhalant dependence., A 12-year-old male is referred to a counselor by his school due to declining academic performance, social withdrawal, and unusual breath odor.During the counseling session, he reveals regular use of markers for the "high" they produce. This scenario indicates harmful inhalant use, and the diagnosis would be F18.1, Inhalant abuse.
Documentation for inhalant-related disorders should include:- Type of inhalant used.- Frequency and duration of use.- Symptoms experienced (e.g., slurred speech, dizziness, hallucinations).- Evidence of organ damage or other physical effects.- Presence of withdrawal symptoms (if applicable).- Impact on social, occupational, or academic functioning.- Treatment plan and response to treatment.
** Inhalant abuse is a serious public health issue, particularly among adolescents. Early intervention and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term health consequences and improve outcomes.
- Specialties:Addiction medicine, psychiatry, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Outpatient Hospital, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Non-residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Community Mental Health Center