Toxic effect of cyanides, assault, initial encounter

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

Apply this code when documenting a patient admitted to the emergency department or hospital for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, or seizures, directly attributable to cyanide poisoning. This code is specifically for cases where law enforcement or medical history confirms the poisoning was a deliberate act of violence.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the toxic effect is due to cyanide and that the intent was assault.
• Do not use this code for accidental or self-inflicted cyanide poisoning; different intent codes exist.
• Always sequence this code first when it represents the primary reason for the encounter.