Toxic effect of unsp corrosive substance, assault, init

This code signifies a harmful physiological reaction resulting from exposure to an unknown corrosive agent, where the exposure was intentionally inflicted by another person. The "initial encounter" designation indicates that this code is used for the period when the patient is receiving active treatment for the acute effects of the poisoning.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms of corrosive poisoning, and the specific corrosive substance cannot be identified at the time of coding. This code is appropriate when the medical record clearly documents that the exposure was due to an assault, such as a deliberate throwing of an unknown chemical.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states the corrosive substance is "unspecified" and the intent was "assault."
• Do not use this code if the specific corrosive substance is known; instead, code to the specific substance.
• Remember to use a subsequent encounter code (T54.93XD) for follow-up care after the initial treatment phase.