Toxic effect of alcohols, accidental (unintentional), init

This code signifies an adverse health effect resulting from the unintentional ingestion, absorption, or exposure to an alcohol other than ethanol or methanol. This includes substances like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethylene glycol (antifreeze), leading to systemic toxicity. The patient is in the acute phase of treatment for this poisoning.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms of poisoning due to accidental exposure to non-ethanol, non-methanol alcohols, such as after mistakenly drinking rubbing alcohol or antifreeze. This is appropriate for the initial visit where the patient is receiving active treatment for the toxic effects.

• Always assign an external cause code (e.g., X45.-) to describe the circumstances of the poisoning.
• Do not use this code for ethanol or methanol poisoning; specific codes exist for those substances.
• Ensure the "A" seventh character is appropriate for the initial encounter for active treatment.