Predominant disturbance of consciousness

This code signifies a mental disorder characterized by a primary alteration in the state of awareness, often involving disorientation, confusion, and impaired attention. It represents a significant disruption in the ability to perceive and respond to the environment.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a delirium, acute confusional state, or other organic mental disorder where the predominant feature is a disturbance of consciousness. This is typically supported by physician notes describing fluctuating levels of awareness, disorientation to time, place, or person, and difficulty focusing attention.

• Differentiate from codes for dementia (e.g., 290.xx) where the primary disturbance is cognitive decline rather than consciousness.
• Always look for an underlying cause (e.g., infection, substance-induced) and code it as a secondary diagnosis.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "predominant disturbance of consciousness" to justify this specific code over more general mental status changes.