Toxic effect of other metals, assault, initial encounter

This code signifies a patient presenting with adverse health effects resulting from exposure to a toxic amount of a metal other than those specifically classified elsewhere (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic). The exposure is explicitly due to an intentional act of harm by another person. The "initial encounter" designation indicates the patient is receiving active treatment for the acute effects of this poisoning.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a patient has been poisoned by an unspecified or "other" metal, and the circumstances indicate an assault. This would include cases where a patient was intentionally given or exposed to a harmful metal by another individual, and they are in the initial phase of treatment.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the toxic effect is due to an "other metal" and not a specifically coded metal.
• Verify the intent of the exposure is documented as an "assault" to differentiate from accidental or self-harm poisonings.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for treatment of the acute toxic effects; subsequent encounters would use different seventh characters.