The ICD 10 CM codes for toxic effects of noxious substances eaten as seafood encompass a variety of poisoning incidents that can occur from consuming contaminated fish and shellfish. These codes are essential for accurately documenting the nature of the poisoning, which can arise from different sources such as ciguatera fish poisoning, scombroid fish poisoning, and other seafood-related toxicities. Understanding the specific subcategories, clinical contexts, and potential pitfalls in coding these incidents is crucial for medical coders to ensure precise billing and reporting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seafood poisoning affects thousands of individuals each year, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and coding in these cases.
1. Understanding Category T61
The ICD 10 CM category T61 addresses toxic effects of noxious substances eaten as seafood, which includes various types of fish and shellfish poisoning. These poisoning incidents can lead to significant health complications, including gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, and in severe cases, death. Ciguatera fish poisoning, for instance, is caused by consuming fish that have accumulated toxins from marine algae, while scombroid fish poisoning results from improper storage of fish leading to histamine production. The clinical significance of these codes lies in their ability to capture the specific type of poisoning, which can influence treatment decisions and public health responses.
2. Key Coding Elements
- Type of Poisoning: Identify whether the poisoning is due to ciguatera, scombroid, or other seafood.
- Intent: Determine if the poisoning was accidental, intentional self-harm, assault, or undetermined.
- Encounter Type: Document the encounter type as initial (A), subsequent (D), or sequela (S).
- Specificity: Ensure accurate coding based on the specific type of seafood involved.
Common Mistakes
- Failing to specify the intent of the poisoning, which can lead to misclassification.
- Using unspecified codes when more specific codes are available.
3. Subcategories
-
ICD 10 CM T61.0: Ciguatera fish poisoning
Clinical Context: General code for ciguatera fish poisoning, often linked to reef fish.
Pitfall: Coders may overlook the need for specificity regarding the source of poisoning. -
ICD 10 CM T61.01: Ciguatera fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional)
Clinical Context: Typically involves unintentional consumption of contaminated fish.
Pitfall: Misclassifying intentional self-harm cases as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.01XA: Ciguatera fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
Clinical Context: Used for the first visit related to accidental ciguatera poisoning.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.01XD: Ciguatera fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: For follow-up visits after initial accidental poisoning.
Pitfall: Coders may confuse this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.01XS: Ciguatera fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), sequela
Clinical Context: Used when there are lasting effects from the poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.02: Ciguatera fish poisoning, intentional self-harm
Clinical Context: Involves cases where the poisoning is self-inflicted.
Pitfall: Failing to document intent can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.02XA: Ciguatera fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Clinical Context: For the first visit related to intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.02XD: Ciguatera fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for intentional poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Confusing this with accidental codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.02XS: Ciguatera fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.03: Ciguatera fish poisoning, assault
Clinical Context: Involves poisoning as a result of an assault.
Pitfall: Failing to document the circumstances can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.03XA: Ciguatera fish poisoning, assault, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit related to poisoning from an assault.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.03XD: Ciguatera fish poisoning, assault, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for assault-related poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.03XS: Ciguatera fish poisoning, assault, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from poisoning due to assault.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.04: Ciguatera fish poisoning, undetermined
Clinical Context: Used when the cause of poisoning is not specified.
Pitfall: Lack of specificity can lead to inaccurate data reporting. -
ICD 10 CM T61.04XA: Ciguatera fish poisoning, undetermined, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit for undetermined poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.04XD: Ciguatera fish poisoning, undetermined, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.04XS: Ciguatera fish poisoning, undetermined, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.1: Scombroid fish poisoning
Clinical Context: General code for scombroid fish poisoning, often linked to improperly stored fish.
Pitfall: Coders may overlook the need for specificity regarding the source of poisoning. -
ICD 10 CM T61.11: Scombroid fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional)
Clinical Context: Typically involves unintentional consumption of spoiled fish.
Pitfall: Misclassifying intentional self-harm cases as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.11XA: Scombroid fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
Clinical Context: Used for the first visit related to accidental scombroid poisoning.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.11XD: Scombroid fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: For follow-up visits after initial accidental poisoning.
Pitfall: Coders may confuse this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.11XS: Scombroid fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), sequela
Clinical Context: Used when there are lasting effects from the poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.12: Scombroid fish poisoning, intentional self-harm
Clinical Context: Involves cases where the poisoning is self-inflicted.
Pitfall: Failing to document intent can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.12XA: Scombroid fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Clinical Context: For the first visit related to intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.12XD: Scombroid fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for intentional poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Confusing this with accidental codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.12XS: Scombroid fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.13: Scombroid fish poisoning, assault
Clinical Context: Involves poisoning as a result of an assault.
Pitfall: Failing to document the circumstances can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.13XA: Scombroid fish poisoning, assault, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit related to poisoning from an assault.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.13XD: Scombroid fish poisoning, assault, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for assault-related poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.13XS: Scombroid fish poisoning, assault, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from poisoning due to assault.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.14: Scombroid fish poisoning, undetermined
Clinical Context: Used when the cause of poisoning is not specified.
Pitfall: Lack of specificity can lead to inaccurate data reporting. -
ICD 10 CM T61.14XA: Scombroid fish poisoning, undetermined, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit for undetermined poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.14XD: Scombroid fish poisoning, undetermined, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.14XS: Scombroid fish poisoning, undetermined, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.7: Other fish and shellfish poisoning
Clinical Context: General code for other types of fish and shellfish poisoning.
Pitfall: Coders may overlook the need for specificity regarding the source of poisoning. -
ICD 10 CM T61.77: Other fish poisoning
Clinical Context: General code for other fish poisoning incidents.
Pitfall: Misclassifying intentional self-harm cases as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.771: Other fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional)
Clinical Context: Typically involves unintentional consumption of contaminated fish.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.771A: Other fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
Clinical Context: Used for the first visit related to accidental fish poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with subsequent encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.771D: Other fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for accidental fish poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying this as an initial encounter can lead to errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.771S: Other fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from accidental fish poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.772: Other fish poisoning, intentional self-harm
Clinical Context: Involves cases where the poisoning is self-inflicted.
Pitfall: Failing to document intent can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.772A: Other fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Clinical Context: For the first visit related to intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.772D: Other fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for intentional poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Confusing this with accidental codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.772S: Other fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.773: Other fish poisoning, assault
Clinical Context: Involves poisoning as a result of an assault.
Pitfall: Failing to document the circumstances can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.773A: Other fish poisoning, assault, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit related to poisoning from an assault.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.773D: Other fish poisoning, assault, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for assault-related poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.773S: Other fish poisoning, assault, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from poisoning due to assault.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.774: Other fish poisoning, undetermined
Clinical Context: Used when the cause of poisoning is not specified.
Pitfall: Lack of specificity can lead to inaccurate data reporting. -
ICD 10 CM T61.774A: Other fish poisoning, undetermined, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit for undetermined poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.774D: Other fish poisoning, undetermined, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.774S: Other fish poisoning, undetermined, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.78: Other shellfish poisoning
Clinical Context: General code for other types of shellfish poisoning.
Pitfall: Coders may overlook the need for specificity regarding the source of poisoning. -
ICD 10 CM T61.781: Other shellfish poisoning, accidental (unintentional)
Clinical Context: Typically involves unintentional consumption of contaminated shellfish.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.781A: Other shellfish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
Clinical Context: Used for the first visit related to accidental shellfish poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with subsequent encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.781D: Other shellfish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for accidental shellfish poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying this as an initial encounter can lead to errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.781S: Other shellfish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from accidental shellfish poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.782: Other shellfish poisoning, intentional self-harm
Clinical Context: Involves cases where the poisoning is self-inflicted.
Pitfall: Failing to document intent can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.782A: Other shellfish poisoning, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Clinical Context: For the first visit related to intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.782D: Other shellfish poisoning, intentional self-harm, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for intentional poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Confusing this with accidental codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.782S: Other shellfish poisoning, intentional self-harm, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.783: Other shellfish poisoning, assault
Clinical Context: Involves poisoning as a result of an assault.
Pitfall: Failing to document the circumstances can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.783A: Other shellfish poisoning, assault, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit related to poisoning from an assault.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.783D: Other shellfish poisoning, assault, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for assault-related poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.783S: Other shellfish poisoning, assault, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from poisoning due to assault.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.784: Other shellfish poisoning, undetermined
Clinical Context: Used when the cause of poisoning is not specified.
Pitfall: Lack of specificity can lead to inaccurate data reporting. -
ICD 10 CM T61.784A: Other shellfish poisoning, undetermined, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit for undetermined poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.784D: Other shellfish poisoning, undetermined, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.784S: Other shellfish poisoning, undetermined, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8: Toxic effect of other seafood
Clinical Context: General code for toxic effects from seafood not classified elsewhere.
Pitfall: Coders may overlook the need for specificity regarding the source of poisoning. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X: Toxic effect of other seafood
Clinical Context: General code for toxic effects from unspecified seafood.
Pitfall: Misclassifying intentional self-harm cases as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X1: Toxic effect of other seafood, accidental (unintentional)
Clinical Context: Typically involves unintentional consumption of contaminated seafood.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X1A: Toxic effect of other seafood, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
Clinical Context: Used for the first visit related to accidental seafood poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with subsequent encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X1D: Toxic effect of other seafood, accidental (unintentional), subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for accidental seafood poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying this as an initial encounter can lead to errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X1S: Toxic effect of other seafood, accidental (unintentional), sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from accidental seafood poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X2: Toxic effect of other seafood, intentional self-harm
Clinical Context: Involves cases where the poisoning is self-inflicted.
Pitfall: Failing to document intent can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X2A: Toxic effect of other seafood, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Clinical Context: For the first visit related to intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X2D: Toxic effect of other seafood, intentional self-harm, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for intentional poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Confusing this with accidental codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X2S: Toxic effect of other seafood, intentional self-harm, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X3: Toxic effect of other seafood, assault
Clinical Context: Involves poisoning as a result of an assault.
Pitfall: Failing to document the circumstances can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X3A: Toxic effect of other seafood, assault, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit related to poisoning from an assault.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X3D: Toxic effect of other seafood, assault, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for assault-related poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X3S: Toxic effect of other seafood, assault, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from poisoning due to assault.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X4: Toxic effect of other seafood, undetermined
Clinical Context: Used when the cause of poisoning is not specified.
Pitfall: Lack of specificity can lead to inaccurate data reporting. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X4A: Toxic effect of other seafood, undetermined, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit for undetermined poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X4D: Toxic effect of other seafood, undetermined, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.8X4S: Toxic effect of other seafood, undetermined, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.9: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood
Clinical Context: General code for toxic effects from unspecified seafood.
Pitfall: Coders may overlook the need for specificity regarding the source of poisoning. -
ICD 10 CM T61.91: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, accidental (unintentional)
Clinical Context: Typically involves unintentional consumption of unspecified seafood.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.91XA: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
Clinical Context: Used for the first visit related to accidental poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with subsequent encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.91XD: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, accidental (unintentional), subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for accidental poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying this as an initial encounter can lead to errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.91XS: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, accidental (unintentional), sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from accidental poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.92: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, intentional self-harm
Clinical Context: Involves cases where the poisoning is self-inflicted.
Pitfall: Failing to document intent can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.92XA: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Clinical Context: For the first visit related to intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.92XD: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, intentional self-harm, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for intentional poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Confusing this with accidental codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.92XS: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, intentional self-harm, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from intentional poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.93: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, assault
Clinical Context: Involves poisoning as a result of an assault.
Pitfall: Failing to document the circumstances can lead to misclassification. -
ICD 10 CM T61.93XA: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, assault, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit related to poisoning from an assault.
Pitfall: Misclassifying this as accidental can lead to coding errors. -
ICD 10 CM T61.93XD: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, assault, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for assault-related poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.93XS: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, assault, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from poisoning due to assault.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding. -
ICD 10 CM T61.94: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, undetermined
Clinical Context: Used when the cause of poisoning is not specified.
Pitfall: Lack of specificity can lead to inaccurate data reporting. -
ICD 10 CM T61.94XA: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, undetermined, initial encounter
Clinical Context: First visit for undetermined poisoning cases.
Pitfall: Failing to document the encounter type can lead to inaccuracies. -
ICD 10 CM T61.94XD: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, undetermined, subsequent encounter
Clinical Context: Follow-up visits for undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Confusing this with initial encounter codes. -
ICD 10 CM T61.94XS: Toxic effect of unspecified seafood, undetermined, sequela
Clinical Context: Lasting effects from undetermined poisoning.
Pitfall: Misidentifying sequelae can lead to incorrect coding.
4. When to Use T61 vs. Other Related Codes
- Use T61 codes specifically for toxic effects of noxious substances eaten as seafood.
- Differentiate between T61 codes for ciguatera and scombroid poisoning versus other types of food poisoning.
- Ensure proper documentation to avoid misclassification with other poisoning codes.
5. Documentation Tips
- Document the specific type of seafood involved in the poisoning incident.
- Record the intent behind the poisoning (accidental, intentional, assault, or undetermined).
- Specify the encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) to ensure accurate coding.
- Include details about any symptoms experienced and treatment provided.
6. Coding Examples
- Scenario: A patient accidentally consumes ciguatera-contaminated fish and presents with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Primary Injury Code: T61.01XA (Ciguatera fish poisoning, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter)
External Cause Code: T61.01XA (initial encounter) - Scenario: A patient intentionally ingests scombroid-contaminated fish as a form of self-harm.
Primary Injury Code: T61.12XA (Scombroid fish poisoning, intentional self-harm, initial encounter)
External Cause Code: T61.12XA (initial encounter)
7. Best Practices in Coding
- Always verify the specific circumstances of the poisoning incident to select the correct code.
- Ensure that the intent of the poisoning is clearly documented to avoid coding errors.
- Stay updated on coding guidelines and changes related to seafood poisoning.
- Consult with clinical staff if there is uncertainty regarding the nature of the poisoning.
