Toxic effect of chloroform, assault, initial encounter

This code signifies a patient presenting with adverse health effects due to chloroform exposure, specifically when the exposure was intentionally inflicted by another party. It indicates the initial phase of treatment for such an event, where the patient is actively receiving care for the acute poisoning.

Apply this code for patients admitted to an emergency department or hospital with symptoms of chloroform toxicity resulting from an assault. This would include scenarios where law enforcement is involved, and the intent of harm by another individual is documented.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the exposure was an assault, not accidental or intentional self-harm.
• This code is for the initial encounter; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always code the specific manifestation of the chloroform toxicity (e.g., respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmia) as a primary diagnosis, with this code as an external cause.