Syncope and collapse

This code represents a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness and postural tone, typically due to transient global cerebral hypoperfusion, followed by spontaneous recovery. It encompasses both syncope (fainting) and collapse where the underlying cause is not yet determined or is non-specific.

Apply this code when documentation indicates a patient experienced a syncopal episode or collapse without a definitive diagnosis for the underlying cause. It is appropriate for initial presentations of unexplained fainting or when the specific type of syncope (e.g., vasovagal, orthostatic) has not been confirmed.

• Always seek more specific codes if the cause of syncope is known (e.g., cardiac, neurological).
• Review the "Excludes1" list carefully to avoid coding conditions that are never reported with this code.
• This code is often used as a principal diagnosis for emergency department visits or initial inpatient admissions for unexplained syncope.