Poisn by unsp agents prim act on the resp sys, asslt, init

This code signifies an intentional act of harm involving an unknown substance that primarily affects the patient's breathing or lungs. The specific agent causing the poisoning is not identified in the medical record. This diagnosis is used when the patient is first presenting for treatment of this assault.

Apply this code for patients presenting with respiratory distress, shortness of breath, or other pulmonary symptoms due to a suspected poisoning where the intent is clearly assault, but the toxic agent is not yet determined. This is appropriate for initial evaluations in the emergency department or first inpatient admission following such an event.

• Ensure documentation clearly indicates "assault" as the intent and that the specific agent is unknown.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for treatment of this poisoning; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always sequence this code after any codes for specific signs and symptoms of the poisoning.