Epilepsy, unspecified, intractable, with status epilepticus

This code signifies a diagnosis of epilepsy where the specific type of seizure disorder is not documented, but the seizures are difficult to control with standard treatment (intractable) and are occurring in a prolonged or repetitive manner without full recovery of consciousness between episodes (status epilepticus). It indicates a severe and uncontrolled epileptic state requiring urgent medical intervention.

Assign this code when documentation clearly states "epilepsy, unspecified," "intractable," or "drug-resistant," and explicitly mentions "status epilepticus." This is typically used in acute care settings or when a patient presents with an ongoing, severe seizure episode that is unresponsive to initial therapy. Supporting documentation includes physician notes, neurologist consultations, and EEG reports confirming status epilepticus.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states both "intractable" and "status epilepticus" in addition to "epilepsy, unspecified."
• Do not use this code if a more specific type of epilepsy is documented (e.g., temporal lobe epilepsy, absence epilepsy).
• Consider sequencing this code as a principal diagnosis if the status epilepticus is the primary reason for admission.