Resource Coma

2024 ICD-10 guideline changes:

• Under section I.C.18.e. Coma, the following is added to the guidelines:

“Code R40.20, Unspecified coma, should be assigned when the underlying cause of the coma is not known, or the cause is a traumatic brain injury and the coma scale is not documented in the medical record.

“Do not report codes for unspecified coma, individual or total Glasgow coma scale scores for a patient with a medically induced coma or a sedated patient.

1. Coma Scale
2. The coma scale codes (R40.21- to R40.24-) can be used in conjunction with traumatic brain injury codes. These codes cannot be used with code R40.2A, Nontraumatic coma due to underlying condition. They are primarily for use by trauma registries, but they may be used in any setting where this information is collected. The coma scale codes should be sequenced after the diagnosis code(s).”

Code R40.2A is newly added for FY 2024 and also describes secondary coma. A parenthetical note in the ICD-10-CM code book instructs you to code first the underlying condition.

https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fy-2024-icd-10-cm-coding-guidelines.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3v-uVOn_jv0S4At7iix0NYuExtXrUSyF6GIoOrz8C_tfUMOEuIhc8KNrI

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to objectively describe the extent of impaired consciousness in all types of acute medical and trauma patients. The scale assesses patients according to three aspects of responsiveness: eye-opening, motor, and verbal responses.

• What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
• Glasgow Coma Scale Scoring
  • Modified GCS for Children
• Severity of Injury
• ICD-10-CM Coding and Guidelines
  • Coma Scale Codes
  • Coding Guidelines
• Coding Scenario
  • Intracerebral Hemorrhage
  • Coma Scale Scores
  • External Cause
• Additional Information
  • What is a Coma?
  • Coma Symptoms
  • Causes
  • Diagnosis
    • Physical Examination
    • Laboratory Tests and Brain Scans
  • Treatment
• Conclusion

Glasgow Coma Scale Coding in ICD-10-CM

Learn about Glasgow Coma Scale coding in ICD-10-CM and the guidelines medical coders need to know regarding traumatic brain injury (FY 2022).

www.medicalcodingbuff.com