2025 ICD-10-CM code G92.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - Other disorders of the nervous system 6 Feed
Unspecified toxic encephalopathy. Code first poisoning due to drug or toxin, if applicable.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of encephalopathy, supported by clinical documentation, and a reasonable suspicion of a toxic cause based on available evidence or patient history.
In simple words: A condition where brain function is affected by exposure to a harmful substance, but the specific cause isn't identified.
Unspecified toxic encephalopathy. Code first any associated poisoning due to drug or toxin (T36-T65 with fifth or sixth character 1-4). Use additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5).
Example 1: A patient presents with altered mental status after accidental exposure to an unknown chemical. After initial testing, no specific toxin is identified. G92.9 is used to code the toxic encephalopathy., A patient with a history of polysubstance abuse is admitted with confusion and disorientation. Laboratory tests are inconclusive for a specific drug. G92.9 is used to describe the encephalopathy as the specific toxic cause remains undetermined., An individual is brought to the emergency room after being found unresponsive in a poorly ventilated area with a strong, unusual odor. While carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, initial tests are negative. The physician uses G92.9 to code the encephalopathy pending further investigation.
Clinical findings of altered mental status; Evidence of toxic exposure, even if the specific substance is unknown; Ruling out of other causes of encephalopathy.
- Specialties:Neurology, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Toxicology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office