Coma scale, best verb, incomprehensible words, in the field

This code indicates a patient's best verbal response on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is incomprehensible words, specifically documented during an emergency medical services (EMS) encounter. This signifies a significant level of neurological impairment where the patient can make sounds but not form understandable words.

This code is used when EMS personnel assess a patient's neurological status and record "incomprehensible words" as the best verbal response component of the GCS. Documentation from ambulance run sheets or pre-hospital care reports clearly stating this GCS finding is necessary. It applies to initial assessments in the field by EMTs or paramedics.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "incomprehensible words" and specifies the assessment occurred "in the field" or by EMS.
• Do not use this code if the GCS assessment was performed in a hospital setting; specific codes for hospital assessments exist.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis necessitating the EMS encounter.