Toxic effect of coral snake venom, undetermined, init encntr

This code signifies the adverse systemic effects resulting from exposure to coral snake venom, where the intent or circumstances surrounding the exposure are not yet established. Patients may present with neurotoxic symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, or respiratory distress following a suspected coral snake bite.

Apply this code when a patient presents for initial treatment of coral snake envenomation, and the medical record does not specify whether the exposure was accidental, intentional self-harm, or assault. This is appropriate for the first encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "coral snake" to differentiate from other venomous snake bites.
• The "undetermined" specificity should only be used when the intent of the exposure cannot be clinically determined or is not documented.
• The "A" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for active treatment of the toxic effect.