2025 ICD-10-CM code T51.0
Toxic effect of ethanol.
Medical necessity for T51.0 is established by the presence of signs and symptoms of poisoning due to the ingestion of ethanol. The severity of the poisoning will dictate the level of care required.
The clinician is responsible for documenting the signs, symptoms, and supporting evidence of ethanol poisoning.They should also document any associated conditions or complications.
- T51-T65: Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
In simple words: This code represents poisoning by ethyl alcohol (the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages). It excludes the effects of being drunk or having a hangover.
Toxic effect of ethyl alcohol. Excludes2: acute alcohol intoxication or 'hangover' effects (F10.129, F10.229, F10.929) drunkenness (F10.129, F10.229, F10.929) pathological alcohol intoxication (F10.129, F10.229, F10.929)
Example 1: A patient is brought to the emergency room after consuming a large amount of alcohol. They are exhibiting signs of alcohol poisoning, such as vomiting, confusion, and difficulty breathing. The physician diagnoses the patient with a toxic effect of ethanol., A teenager is found unresponsive at a party. Paramedics suspect alcohol poisoning and transport the patient to the hospital. Blood tests confirm a dangerously high blood alcohol level. The patient is treated for acute alcohol intoxication and coded as T51.0, toxic effect of ethanol. , A chronic alcoholic presents to the clinic with symptoms of liver damage.While the long-term effects of alcohol are contributing factors, the patient also reports a recent episode of heavy drinking. The physician documents both the chronic liver condition and the acute toxic effect of ethanol (T51.0).
Documentation should include the type of alcohol ingested (if known), the quantity consumed, the duration of exposure, the patient's symptoms, and any other relevant medical history. Lab results confirming blood alcohol content are highly beneficial.
** For outpatient coding, append a 7th character indicating the encounter type (initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela).External cause codes should be added to identify the source and intent of the ethanol exposure (e.g., accidental, intentional self-harm, assault).Additional codes should be used to document any associated conditions or complications resulting from the ethanol poisoning.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Toxicology
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Office, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home, Other Place of Service