Coma scale, eyes open, to sound, EMR

This code indicates a patient's eye-opening response to sound upon arrival at the emergency department, as assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). It signifies a moderate level of neurological responsiveness, where the patient's eyes open only when stimulated by auditory input. This GCS component helps evaluate the severity of acute brain injury or altered mental status.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a GCS eye-opening score of 3 ("to sound") recorded at the time of the patient's presentation to the emergency department. This is typically seen in patients presenting with head trauma, stroke, drug overdose, or other conditions affecting consciousness. The medical record must clearly specify the GCS component and the timing of the assessment.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "to sound" for eye-opening and the assessment occurred "at arrival to emergency department."
• Do not confuse with other GCS eye-opening scores (e.g., spontaneous, to pain, none).
• Always code in conjunction with other GCS component codes (verbal and motor) and the underlying diagnosis for the altered mental status.