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T43.291A
ICD-10-CM
Lithium Toxicity

Find key information on Lithium Toxicity diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, symptoms, treatment, and management. Learn about lithium blood levels, toxicity signs, and differential diagnosis for healthcare professionals. This resource provides essential guidance on documenting lithium toxicity in patient charts and accurately coding for billing and reimbursement. Explore relevant medical terms, clinical guidelines, and best practices for managing lithium toxicity in patients.

Also known as

Lithium Poisoning
Lithium Overdose

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Elevated lithium levels causing adverse effects.
  • Clinical Signs : Tremor, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney problems.
  • Common Settings : Outpatient psychiatric care, emergency rooms, inpatient units.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC T43.291A Coding
T36.0X5A

Poisoning by lithium

Adverse effect of lithium, accidental or intentional.

T50.9X5A

Other drug poisoning

Adverse effect of unspecified drug, if lithium is not further specified.

R78.0

Hyperlithaemia

Elevated lithium levels in the blood.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the lithium toxicity due to therapeutic use?

  • Yes

    Neurological manifestations present?

  • No

    Accidental ingestion?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lithium poisoning from excess levels
Drug-induced tremor from lithium
Adverse effect of lithium NEC

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lithium serum level documented
  • Onset/duration of symptoms noted
  • Document specific toxicity signs/symptoms
  • Correlation with lithium dosage/timing
  • Other medications/renal function documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Lithium Type

    Coding lithium toxicity without specifying the salt ingested (e.g., carbonate, citrate) can lead to inaccurate severity assessment and reimbursement.

  • Missed Chronic Toxicity

    Failing to distinguish between acute and chronic lithium toxicity can impact treatment decisions and coding accuracy (ICD-10-CM guidelines).

  • Lacking Supporting Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of lithium levels, symptoms, and treatment can lead to coding and billing denials, impacting revenue cycle management.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document lithium dosage, frequency, and indication (ICD-10-CM code).
  • Monitor serum lithium levels regularly, especially after dosage changes (CPT codes).
  • Check renal function, thyroid levels for accurate diagnosis, CDI compliant.
  • Educate patients on lithium side effects, drug interactions, and diet (SNOMED CT).
  • Promptly evaluate and manage any signs or symptoms of toxicity, ensure compliance.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Confirm recent lithium level: >1.5 mEq/L?
  • 2. Document neurological symptoms (tremor, confusion)?
  • 3. Check for GI issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)?
  • 4. Review medication list for drug interactions.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lithium Toxicity Reimbursement: Accurate coding (ICD-10-CM E85.2, T36.2X5A) maximizes payment. Coding errors impact DRG assignment and hospital revenue.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Lithium level monitoring (LOINC 2820-7) crucial for patient safety. Impacts quality scores related to medication management.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Precise E/M coding reflects the complexity of managing toxicity. Poor documentation can lead to denials and lost revenue.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Correct toxicity diagnosis impacts hospital data on adverse drug events. Affects publicly reported quality measures.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code confirmed lithium toxicity with ICD-10-CM T36.1
  • Document specific lithium levels for T36.1
  • Query physician if toxicity unclear, not assumed
  • Consider E85.4 if dehydration contributes
  • Check for adverse effects, code additionally

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with signs and symptoms suggestive of lithium toxicity.  The patient's current lithium level is [insert value] mEqL.  Clinical presentation includes [list presenting symptoms e.g., tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, confusion, lethargy, muscle weakness,  nystagmus, fasciculations,  altered mental status, seizures, coma].  The patient's reported lithium dosage is [insert dosage and frequency].  Onset of symptoms occurred [insert timeframe].  Patient's medication history includes [list medications] and relevant medical history includes [list medical conditions e.g., renal impairment, dehydration, sodium depletion].  Differential diagnoses considered include [list differential diagnoses e.g., drug interaction, serotonin syndrome, central nervous system infection].  Assessment points towards lithium toxicity based on elevated lithium level, correlating symptoms, and medication history.  Treatment plan includes discontinuation of lithium, supportive care including hydration with intravenous fluids, monitoring of electrolytes particularly sodium and creatinine, and close monitoring of neurological status.  If indicated, hemodialysis may be considered for severe toxicity with significantly elevated lithium levels or impaired renal function.  Patient education provided on lithium toxicity symptoms, importance of medication compliance, and regular monitoring of lithium levels.  Follow-up scheduled for [date and time] to reassess lithium level and clinical status.  ICD-10 code T36.1X5A, adverse effect of lithium, initial encounter, is documented.
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