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R40.1
ICD-10-CM
Obtundation

Understand obtundation diagnosis, clinical significance, and documentation. Find information on obtunded patient assessment, levels of consciousness, altered mental status, and related terms like lethargy, stupor, and coma. Explore medical coding for obtundation, including ICD-10 codes and appropriate clinical terminology for healthcare professionals. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment considerations for obtundation. This resource provides guidance for accurate and comprehensive clinical documentation and coding of obtundation.

Also known as

Reduced alertness
Decreased responsiveness

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Reduced alertness and responsiveness to stimuli; a state between lethargy and stupor.
  • Clinical Signs : Drowsiness, slow responses, decreased interest in surroundings, confusion.
  • Common Settings : ICU, post-op, drug overdose, severe infections, metabolic disorders.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R40.1 Coding
R40.0-R40.2

Somnolence, stupor, and coma

Covers decreased consciousness levels, including obtundation.

F05

Delirium, not induced by alcohol and other psychoactive substances

Includes obtundation as a potential feature of delirium.

T36-T50

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances

Certain poisonings can cause obtundation as a symptom.

S06

Intracranial injury

Brain injuries may lead to altered consciousness, including obtundation.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the obtundation due to a drug or substance?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lessened alertness/responsiveness
Stupor
Delirium

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Obtundation diagnosis: Reduced alertness documented.
  • Document specific stimuli used for response.
  • Describe the patient's delayed responses.
  • Differentiate from lethargy, stupor, coma.
  • ICD-10 code: Document underlying cause/etiology.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Etiology

    Coding obtundation without documenting the underlying cause leads to unspecified codes and lost revenue. CDI can query for clarification.

  • Confusion with Coma

    Obtundation and coma have similar features. Miscoding can impact severity scores and reimbursement. Audits should focus on clinical documentation specificity.

  • Lack of Supporting Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of obtundation level hinders accurate code assignment and can trigger denials. CDI and coding audits are crucial for validation.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document specific obtundation level: lethargy, stupor, etc.
  • Code underlying cause, not just obtundation (e.g., R40.0)
  • Rule out substance use/medication side effects: ICD-10 F10-F19
  • Review labs for metabolic/electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia
  • Neuro exam: pupillary response, GCS for accurate CDI

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Reduced alertness: Documented lethargy, drowsiness, inattention? (ICD-10 R40.0)
  • 2. Psychomotor retardation: Slowed responses, delayed reactions noted? (SNOMED CT 442304006)
  • 3. Blunted affect: Decreased emotional expression observed? (ICD-10 F01.9)
  • 4. Reversible cause?: Rule out medications, metabolic issues, infections (Patient Safety)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Obtundation coding impacts MS-DRG assignment and reimbursement.
  • Accurate Obtundation diagnosis coding affects hospital quality reporting.
  • Precise documentation of Obtundation level improves severity scores and case mix index.
  • Obtundation coding accuracy is crucial for appropriate physician and hospital reimbursement.

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
  • Code obtundation severity
  • Document arousal level
  • R/O other causes of AMS
  • Consider GCS score for clarity
  • Link to underlying etiology

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with obtundation, demonstrating a decreased level of consciousness and alertness.  Assessment reveals reduced responsiveness to external stimuli, requiring increased stimulation for arousal.  The patient exhibits psychomotor retardation, delayed responses to questions, and drowsiness.  Differential diagnosis includes metabolic encephalopathy, drug intoxication, neurological disorders such as stroke or intracranial hemorrhage, and infections like sepsis or meningitis.  Initial laboratory studies including complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, blood cultures, and urinalysis have been ordered to evaluate potential underlying etiologies.  Neurological examination reveals sluggish pupillary response and decreased deep tendon reflexes.  Imaging studies such as head CT or MRI may be indicated based on initial laboratory results and clinical suspicion.  Current plan includes close monitoring of neurological status, supportive care with intravenous fluids, and further diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause of obtundation.  Patient safety precautions implemented to prevent falls and aspiration.  Medical decision making complexity is moderate given the need to differentiate between various potential causes and initiate appropriate treatment.  ICD-10 code R40.0, unspecified stupor, will be used pending further diagnostic clarification.  CPT codes for evaluation and management services will be determined based on the time spent and complexity of medical decision making.  Continued reassessment and modification of the treatment plan will be based on the evolving clinical picture and diagnostic findings.
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