Toxic effect of ethanol, assault, sequela

This code describes the long-term or residual effects resulting from ethanol poisoning that occurred in the context of an assault. It indicates that the patient is experiencing a lasting health problem directly attributable to the toxic effects of alcohol administered or forced upon them during an act of violence. This is not for the acute poisoning event itself, but for its enduring consequences.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a chronic condition, organ damage, or other persistent health issues that are a direct sequela of ethanol toxicity sustained during an assault. This would apply to follow-up encounters for conditions like persistent neurological deficits, liver damage, or psychological trauma stemming from the initial toxic exposure and assault.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic liver disease, neurological disorder).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past toxic effect of ethanol and specifies the assault as the external cause.
• Do not use for acute ethanol intoxication or for toxic effects from accidental or intentional self-poisoning.