Hypoglycemic coma

This code signifies a severe, acute neurological emergency characterized by unconsciousness resulting from critically low blood glucose levels. It represents the most extreme manifestation of hypoglycemia, where the brain is deprived of sufficient glucose to maintain normal function.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient presenting with a coma directly attributed to hypoglycemia. This typically occurs in patients with diabetes who have received too much insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, or in rare cases of non-diabetic hypoglycemia. Supporting documentation should include blood glucose readings confirming severe hypoglycemia and a clinical assessment of comatose state.

• Do not use this code for altered mental status without documented coma.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying cause of the hypoglycemia (e.g., diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia).
• Ensure documentation specifies "coma" and not just "unconsciousness" or "stupor."