Toxic effect of cadmium and its compounds, assault, subs

This code signifies a harmful reaction to cadmium or its compounds resulting from an intentional act of harm by another person, where the patient is receiving follow-up care for the sequelae of the initial poisoning. This includes ongoing treatment, monitoring, or recovery from the toxic effects.

Apply this code when a patient presents for continued management of health issues directly attributable to cadmium poisoning that was inflicted by another individual. This would include scenarios such as follow-up appointments for kidney damage, bone demineralization, or respiratory problems stemming from the assault.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "assault" as the intent of the cadmium exposure.
• This "D" encounter code is used after the initial treatment of the acute toxic effect.
• Always code the specific manifestations of the cadmium toxicity (e.g., acute kidney failure, osteomalacia) in addition to this external cause code.