Poisoning by antipruritics, assault, initial encounter

This code signifies an intentional act of harm involving the administration or exposure to an antipruritic medication with the intent to injure another person. The patient is in the initial phase of receiving active treatment for the toxic effects of the substance. This includes the immediate assessment, evaluation, and management of the poisoning.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates that an antipruritic medication was used to poison a patient as an act of assault. This applies to the first encounter for treatment of the poisoning, such as in an emergency department or during the initial hospitalization. It should be used when the intent to harm by another party is explicitly stated or strongly implied.

• Always sequence this code first when it is the primary reason for the encounter.
• Requires additional codes for the specific antipruritic substance (if known) and any resulting signs, symptoms, or injuries.
• Ensure documentation explicitly supports the "assault" intent and "initial encounter" for treatment.