Blood alcohol level of 20-39 mg/100 ml

This code indicates a low but detectable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ranging from 20 to 39 milligrams per 100 milliliters. At this level, individuals may experience subtle effects such as altered mood, relaxation, and slight impairment in judgment or coordination, though these effects can vary widely.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a blood alcohol level within the 20-39 mg/100 ml range, often identified through laboratory testing. This may be relevant in cases of minor motor vehicle incidents, workplace screenings, or when assessing contributing factors to a patient's presentation where alcohol consumption is suspected but not at intoxicating levels.

• Ensure the medical record clearly specifies the blood alcohol level falls within the 20-39 mg/100 ml range.
• Do not use this code if the documentation only states "positive for alcohol" without a specific quantitative level.
• This code typically serves as an additional diagnosis to provide context for the patient's primary condition or reason for encounter.