Coma scale, eyes open, never, EMR

This code indicates a patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) eye-opening component score of "1" (never) upon their initial presentation to the emergency department. It signifies a complete absence of eye-opening in response to any stimulus, including pain, speech, or spontaneously, at the time of ED arrival. This finding is a critical indicator of severe neurological impairment.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a GCS eye-opening score of 1 ("never") recorded at the time the patient first arrived at the emergency department. This is typically seen in cases of severe traumatic brain injury, stroke, anoxic brain injury, or other profound neurological insults. Documentation must clearly specify "at arrival to emergency department" for this specific code.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "at arrival to emergency department" for the eye-opening assessment.
• Do not use this code if the GCS eye-opening score was assessed at a later point during the ED stay or if the patient opened their eyes at any point upon arrival.
• This code should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis indicating the underlying cause of the coma or altered mental status.