Alcohol use, unspecified with withdrawal delirium

This code signifies a patient experiencing withdrawal delirium due to alcohol use, where the specific pattern or severity of alcohol use is not documented. Withdrawal delirium, also known as delirium tremens, is a severe and acute neurocognitive disorder characterized by confusion, hallucinations, and autonomic instability, occurring after cessation or reduction of heavy or prolonged alcohol consumption.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates alcohol withdrawal delirium, but the provider does not specify whether the alcohol use is mild, moderate, severe, or in remission. This code is appropriate when the medical record describes the characteristic symptoms of delirium tremens in the context of alcohol cessation, without further detail on the patient's alcohol use disorder.

• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies the pattern of alcohol use (e.g., mild, moderate, severe, or in remission); instead, select a more specific code from the F10.9- series.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter or hospitalization.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "withdrawal delirium" or "delirium tremens" in conjunction with alcohol use.