Toxic effect of lead and its compounds, assault, init encntr

This code signifies a harmful physiological response resulting from exposure to lead or lead-containing substances, where the exposure was intentionally inflicted by another person. This diagnosis indicates the patient is receiving initial treatment for the acute effects of this toxic exposure.

Apply this code for patients presenting with symptoms of lead poisoning, such as abdominal pain, neurological deficits, or anemia, when medical documentation clearly states the lead exposure was due to an assault. This is appropriate for the initial visit or hospitalization for the acute management of the lead toxicity.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "assault" as the cause of lead exposure.
• This "A" seventh character indicates the initial encounter for treatment; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• Always code the specific manifestation of lead poisoning (e.g., lead encephalopathy, lead colic) in addition to this external cause code.