Alcohol use, unspecified with intoxication delirium

This code signifies a patient presenting with an unspecified pattern of alcohol use disorder, currently experiencing acute intoxication that manifests as delirium. Delirium in this context refers to a disturbance in attention, awareness, and cognition directly attributable to the intoxicating effects of alcohol.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates alcohol intoxication accompanied by a diagnosis of delirium, without further specification of the alcohol use pattern (e.g., mild, moderate, severe, or dependence). This is appropriate when the clinician has not specified the severity or type of alcohol use disorder beyond "alcohol use."

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the delirium to acute alcohol intoxication.
• Do not use if the alcohol use disorder severity (e.g., mild, moderate, severe) is specified; instead, select a more specific F10.xx21 code.
• Consider additional codes for any co-occurring physical complications or injuries sustained during the delirium.