Poisoning by heroin, assault, subsequent encounter

This code signifies a patient presenting for follow-up care or treatment of complications arising from a heroin overdose or adverse reaction that occurred as a result of an assault. This indicates that the initial event of poisoning by heroin, inflicted by another person, has already been addressed, and the current encounter is for ongoing management.

Apply this code for subsequent visits related to the sequelae of an assault-related heroin poisoning, such as wound care from the assault, management of withdrawal symptoms, or treatment of organ damage (e.g., anoxic brain injury) that resulted from the initial event. It is appropriate for any encounter after the initial acute treatment of the poisoning itself.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the poisoning was due to an assault and that this is not the initial encounter for the poisoning.
• Always sequence this code after any codes for the specific complications or conditions being treated during the subsequent encounter.
• Verify the "D" seventh character is appropriate for a subsequent encounter, indicating ongoing care after the initial treatment.