Toxic effect of rattlesnake venom, assault, init encntr

This code signifies a patient presenting with symptoms resulting from exposure to rattlesnake venom, where the exposure was intentionally inflicted by another person. The "initial encounter" indicates that the patient is receiving active treatment for the acute effects of the poisoning.

Apply this code when documenting the initial treatment for a patient who has been deliberately bitten by a rattlesnake as an act of violence. This includes emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or the first outpatient encounter for this specific incident.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the rattlesnake bite was an assault, not accidental or self-inflicted.
• Always sequence this code first as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.
• Remember to also code any specific signs, symptoms, or complications resulting from the envenomation.