Visual hallucinations

This code signifies the experience of seeing things that are not actually present, such as objects, people, or patterns. These perceptions are not due to external stimuli and are typically associated with psychiatric, neurological, or substance-induced conditions.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient is experiencing visual hallucinations. This often occurs in the context of psychotic disorders, dementia, delirium, or adverse drug reactions. Supporting documentation should specify the presence of visual perceptual disturbances.

• Differentiate from illusions, which are misinterpretations of real external stimuli.
• Always code the underlying cause of the visual hallucinations if known and documented.
• Consider codes for substance-induced psychotic disorder if drug or alcohol use is the etiology.