Coma scale, best verb, incomprehensible words, EMR

This code indicates a patient's best verbal response on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is incomprehensible words, meaning they are making sounds but no recognizable words. This assessment is specifically documented upon the patient's arrival at the emergency department, reflecting their initial neurological status.

Apply this code when emergency department documentation clearly states the patient's GCS verbal score is "incomprehensible words" or a GCS verbal score of 2, specifically recorded at the time of ED arrival. This is typically seen in cases of acute brain injury, stroke, or other conditions affecting consciousness.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "at arrival to emergency department" for accurate code assignment.
• Do not confuse with other GCS verbal response codes (e.g., no verbal response, inappropriate words, confused, oriented).
• This code should be used in conjunction with other GCS component codes (eye opening and motor response) to fully describe the patient's GCS score.