Poisoning by heroin, assault, initial encounter

This code signifies a patient presenting with adverse effects from heroin, specifically when the exposure was due to an intentional act of harm by another person. It indicates the initial phase of treatment for this poisoning.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial encounter for a patient who has been poisoned by heroin as a result of an assault. This includes situations where heroin was forcibly administered or covertly given with malicious intent.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the poisoning was due to an assault and not accidental or self-inflicted.
• Always use in conjunction with an external cause code (e.g., Y09.-) to specify the perpetrator and circumstances of the assault.
• Append with a subsequent or sequela encounter character for follow-up care related to this specific poisoning event.