Coma scale, best verbal response, inappropriate words, EMR

This code indicates a specific level of impaired consciousness, specifically a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) verbal response score of 3. The patient is able to vocalize, but their words are random and do not make sense in response to a question or stimulus. This assessment is documented upon the patient's presentation to the emergency department.

This code is used when a patient presents to the emergency department with altered mental status and their initial GCS assessment reveals inappropriate words as their best verbal response. Documentation must clearly state the GCS verbal component score and the timing of the assessment (e.g., "GCS E4V3M6 on arrival to ED"). It is typically seen in cases of head trauma, stroke, drug overdose, or other acute neurological insults.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "inappropriate words" and the assessment was performed "at arrival to emergency department."
• Do not confuse this with other GCS verbal scores, such as incomprehensible sounds (V2) or oriented (V5).
• This code should be sequenced after the primary diagnosis causing the altered mental status, if known.