Poisoning by benzodiazepines, assault, initial encounter

This code signifies a patient presenting with adverse effects from benzodiazepine poisoning that was intentionally inflicted by another person. The patient is in the initial phase of treatment for this acute toxic event.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states benzodiazepine poisoning resulting from an assault, and the patient is receiving active treatment for the immediate effects of the poisoning. This includes emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or the first outpatient encounter for this specific event.

• Always confirm the intent (assault) and the substance (benzodiazepine) from the medical record.
• Ensure the encounter is the "initial" one for this poisoning episode. Subsequent encounters would use a different seventh character.
• Code all manifestations of the poisoning, such as coma or respiratory depression, in addition to this code.