Glasgow coma scale score 3-8, at hospital admission

This code indicates a severely impaired level of consciousness, specifically a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score between 3 and 8, documented at the time of a patient's hospital admission. This GCS range signifies a comatose state or severe brain injury.

Apply this code when a patient presents to the hospital with a GCS score of 3 to 8, as assessed and documented by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional upon arrival. This is typically seen in cases of severe trauma, stroke, anoxic brain injury, or other critical neurological events.

• Always sequence this code after the definitive diagnosis for the underlying condition causing the coma.
• Do not use this code for GCS scores documented after the initial hospital admission.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states the GCS score and that it was assessed at the time of admission.