When should the code for acute alcohol intoxication (F10.0) versus poisoning by alcohol (T51.0) be assigned?
Clinical advice indicates that alcohol poisoning is a particularly severe form of alcohol intoxication. Typically, alcohol poisoning is characterised by major disturbance of conscious level, inability to rouse the patient and resultant threat to life requiring supportive treatment. Coders should be guided by the documentation in the clinical record. Where acute alcohol intoxication is documented, assign F10.0 Mental and behavioural disorders due to the use of alcohol, acute intoxication following the index pathway: Intoxication – alcoholic (acute) (with) F10.0 Where alcohol poisoning is documented, assign T51.0 Toxic effect of alcohol, Ethanol following the index pathway: Poisoning (acute) (see also Table of drugs and chemicals) Table of Drugs and Chemicals Alcohol – beverage T51.0 and appropriate external cause of injury codes. See also ACS 0503 Drug, alcohol and tobacco use disorders and ACS 1903 Two or more drugs taken in combination.
