Coma scale, best verb, confused conversation, in the field

This code indicates a patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) verbal response score of 4, specifically "confused conversation," as assessed by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in the pre-hospital setting. It reflects a state where the patient can speak in sentences but the conversation is disoriented or inappropriate.

This code is used when documentation from EMS or ambulance records clearly states a GCS verbal score of 4, characterized by confused speech, prior to hospital arrival. It is appropriate for patients experiencing altered mental status due to various etiologies, such as head injury, stroke, or metabolic disturbances.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "in the field" or "pre-hospital" assessment by EMS.
• Do not use this code if the GCS assessment was performed upon arrival at the emergency department.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis indicating the cause of the altered mental status.