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T14.91XA
ICD-10-CM
Suicide Attempt

Find information on suicide attempt diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 codes), risk assessment, and treatment options. Learn about healthcare provider resources for suicide prevention and intervention, mental health support, and crisis intervention. This resource covers best practices for documenting suicide attempts in medical records, including specific terms, phrases, and coding guidelines relevant to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Also known as

Attempted Suicide
Self-Harm Attempt

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Non-fatal, self-directed potentially injurious behavior with intent to die.
  • Clinical Signs : Vary widely from minor injury to severe or life-threatening states. Drug overdose, cutting, and firearms common.
  • Common Settings : Emergency Room, inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient mental health clinic.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC T14.91XA Coding
X60–X89

Intentional self-harm

Covers suicide attempts by various methods.

T36–T50

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments

Relevant if a drug overdose was involved.

X70–X84

Intentional self-harm by other means

Includes methods like hanging, drowning, firearms.

F10–F19

Mental and behavioural disorders due to psychoactive substance use

May be relevant if substance use contributed.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Suicide attempt confirmed?

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Suicide attempt - method used
  • Suicide attempt - level of intent
  • Suicide attempt - precipitating factors
  • Suicide attempt - injuries sustained
  • Suicide attempt - level of consciousness

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Undercoding of Intent

    Misinterpretation of documentation leading to coding of self-harm without suicidal intent, impacting severity and reimbursement.

  • Late Documentation

    Delayed or missing physician documentation of suicidal ideation or plan, hindering accurate coding and quality reporting.

  • Unspecified Method Coding

    Lack of specific documentation of the method used in the suicide attempt resulting in less specific codes and data loss.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document intent clearly: accidental vs. suicidal.
  • ICD-10-CM: T14.91XA, T36-T50 for poisoning/injury.
  • Query physician for clarity if documentation vague.
  • Z91.51: history of suicidal attempt if applicable.
  • Thorough exam/history vital for accurate coding/CDI.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm intent to die via documented patient statement or clear inference from method.
  • Verify lethality of method used medical record review required.
  • Document level of consciousness pre and post attempt, including GCS if applicable.
  • Assess and document presence of selfharm ideation preceding attempt.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Suicide attempt diagnosis coding accuracy impacts reimbursement for mental health services.
  • ICD-10-CM code T14.91XA affects severity level for hospital quality reporting.
  • Proper suicide attempt coding impacts hospital readmission reduction programs.
  • Accurate documentation improves suicide prevention program funding and resource allocation.

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 T14.91, not R45.851
  • Document intent/means
  • Specify drugs/alcohol
  • Query MD if unclear
  • Note aftercare plan

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with a suicide attempt, confirmed by self-report and corroborating evidence.  Presenting problems include [Specific method used e.g., intentional overdose of acetaminophen, self-inflicted laceration to left wrist, single gunshot wound to non-vital area].  Patient reports [Patient's stated reason for attempt e.g., feelings of hopelessness, overwhelming stress, recent relationship loss].  Mental status examination reveals [Patient's current mental state e.g., affect is constricted, thought content preoccupied with death, judgment and insight impaired].  Suicide risk assessment indicates [Level of risk e.g., high, moderate, low] based on [Factors contributing to risk assessment e.g., presence of suicidal ideation with intent and plan, access to lethal means, history of previous attempts, lack of protective factors].  Differential diagnoses considered include Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood.  Current medications include [List medications].  Allergies include [List allergies].  Past medical history significant for [Relevant medical history].  Family history includes [Relevant family history, including any history of suicide attempts or mental illness].  Social history is notable for [Relevant social history e.g., unemployment, social isolation, recent stressful life events].  Patient was medically stabilized [Description of medical intervention provided e.g., gastric lavage, wound care, surgical intervention].  Psychiatric consultation obtained.  Recommendations include [Recommended interventions e.g., inpatient psychiatric admission, intensive outpatient program, crisis intervention services, medication management for underlying psychiatric conditions].  Diagnosis: Suicide attempt (ICD-10-CM T14.91XA).  Treatment plan focuses on safety planning, addressing underlying mental health conditions, and enhancing coping skills.  Follow-up scheduled with [Type of follow-up and timeframe e.g., psychiatry in 24 hours, therapy in 72 hours]. Prognosis is guarded.  Continued assessment for suicidal ideation and safety planning are paramount.