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R41.82
ICD-10-CM
Mental Status Change

Find information on Mental Status Change diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10), and healthcare resources for altered mental status, delirium, confusion, and encephalopathy. Learn about assessment, common causes, and best practices for documenting mental status changes in patient charts. This resource provides valuable insights for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals seeking to improve their understanding and documentation of mental status changes.

Also known as

Altered Mental Status
AMS
Confusion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R41.82 Coding
R41.0-R41.89

Disorientation and Delirium

Covers various mental status changes like confusion and disorientation.

F05

Delirium, Not Induced by Alcohol

Specifies delirium not caused by alcohol or other substances.

G93.40-G93.49

Encephalopathy, Unspecified

Brain dysfunction that can cause altered mental status.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the mental status change due to a physical condition?

  • Yes

    Is it due to drug/alcohol?

  • No

    Is it a primary mental disorder?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Altered mental state, sudden or gradual
Delirium, acute confusional state
Dementia, progressive cognitive decline

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document baseline mental status.
  • Describe specific changes observed.
  • Onset, duration, frequency documented.
  • Possible causes, contributing factors.
  • Impact on daily activities noted.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Etiology

    Coding mental status change without documented cause can lead to claim denials and inaccurate severity reflection.

  • Comorbidity Overlap

    Misattributing mental status change to existing conditions like dementia can obscure the true acute condition.

  • Lacking Clinical Support

    Insufficient documentation of specific mental status exam findings weakens coding accuracy and audit defensibility.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document specific mental status changes, not just 'AMS'
  • Rule out physical causes like infections or medication side effects
  • Use standardized terminology (e.g., DSM-5) for accurate coding
  • Query physician for clarification if documentation is unclear
  • Ensure proper ICD-10 and CPT coding for compliance

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Rule out substance intoxication (ICD-10 F1x.9xx)
  • Check vital signs and blood glucose levels
  • Assess for hypoxia, infection (ICD-10 R65.9), and pain
  • Review medication list for interactions/side effects

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Mental Status Change reimbursement hinges on accurate coding (ICD-10: F05.9, others) and linking to underlying causes.
  • Coding specificity impacts MS-DRG assignment and case-mix index for hospital reimbursement.
  • Quality metrics: Mental status assessments, delirium screening, and timely intervention documentation affect performance.
  • Accurate mental status change documentation supports quality reporting and avoids claim denials.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Document specific MSE findings
  • Code underlying cause, not symptom
  • R/O delirium, dementia if acute
  • Consider F05, G31, R41 if relevant
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with altered mental status (AMS), demonstrating a clinically significant change from baseline cognitive function.  Assessment reveals [Specify onset: acute, subacute, gradual] changes in [Specify domains affected: level of consciousness, attention, orientation, memory, language, executive function, perception, thought content, thought process, insight, judgment].  Possible etiologies considered include, but are not limited to, delirium, dementia, metabolic encephalopathy, substance intoxication, substance withdrawal, medication side effects, infection, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and psychiatric conditions.  Patient exhibits [Describe specific symptoms observed e.g., disorientation to time and place, confusion, agitation, lethargy, hallucinations, delusions].  Neurological examination reveals [Document findings e.g., intact cranial nerves, normal motor strength, presence of tremors or asterixis].  Current medications include [List all current medications].  Medical history significant for [List pertinent medical history e.g., hypertension, diabetes, previous stroke].  Family history includes [Note relevant family history e.g., dementia, psychiatric illness].  Diagnostic workup may include [List planned or completed tests e.g., complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), urinalysis, blood cultures, toxicology screen, neuroimaging].  Differential diagnosis includes [List potential diagnoses being considered].  Initial treatment plan includes [Describe interventions initiated e.g., monitoring vital signs, ensuring patient safety, addressing underlying medical conditions, supportive care].  Patient's mental status will be closely monitored, and further evaluation and treatment will be based on ongoing assessment and diagnostic results.  The patient's capacity for decision-making is [Specify e.g., intact, impaired] at this time.  Family or caregiver involvement is [Describe level of involvement e.g., present and providing collateral information, contacted by phone].  Continued reassessment and documentation of mental status changes are crucial for appropriate management and medical decision-making.
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