Glasgow coma scale score 3-8, in the field

This code signifies a severe impairment of consciousness, specifically a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 3 and 8, as assessed by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in a pre-hospital setting. A GCS of 3-8 indicates a comatose state or severe brain injury, reflecting a significant neurological deficit.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an initial GCS assessment performed by an EMT or ambulance crew resulted in a score between 3 and 8. This is typically used for patients experiencing acute neurological events such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or overdose, where their level of consciousness is severely compromised prior to hospital arrival.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the GCS score was obtained "in the field" or by "EMS/ambulance."
• Do not use this code for GCS scores assessed upon hospital admission or in an inpatient setting; specific codes exist for those scenarios.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis describing the underlying condition causing the altered mental status.