Poisoning by diagnostic agents, assault, initial encounter

This code signifies a patient presenting with adverse effects resulting from the intentional administration of a diagnostic agent by another party with the intent to harm. The patient is in the initial phase of treatment for this poisoning.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient has been poisoned by a substance used for diagnostic purposes, and the poisoning was inflicted by another individual. This is appropriate for the first encounter for treatment of such an event, such as in an emergency department or initial hospitalization.

• Always confirm the intent of the poisoning (assault) and the type of substance (diagnostic agent) from the medical record.
• Ensure the encounter is the initial treatment for the poisoning; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Do not use for accidental poisonings or self-harm; other codes exist for those scenarios.