Toxic effect of tetrachloroethylene, undetermined, init

This code signifies a patient presenting with adverse health effects due to exposure to tetrachloroethylene, where the intent of the exposure (e.g., accidental, intentional self-harm, assault) cannot be determined. The "initial encounter" designation indicates that the patient is receiving active treatment for the toxic effect.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial phase of care for a patient experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, or liver/kidney damage following tetrachloroethylene exposure when the circumstances surrounding the exposure are unclear. This might include cases where the patient is unconscious, a reliable history cannot be obtained, or investigations are ongoing to ascertain the intent.

• Always assign an additional code for the specific manifestations of the toxic effect (e.g., acute kidney failure, toxic encephalopathy).
• Do not use this code if the intent of the exposure is known (e.g., accidental, intentional self-harm); instead, select the appropriate intent-specific code.
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the "undetermined" intent and that this is the first time the patient is being seen for this specific toxic event.