Toxic effect of unsp substance, intentional self-harm, init

This code signifies a patient presenting with an adverse physiological reaction due to deliberately ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise exposing themselves to an unknown or unidentifiable toxic substance. The intent is self-harm, and this code is used for the initial phase of treatment for this acute event.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a toxic effect from an unspecified substance, and the patient's intent was to harm themselves. This is appropriate for the initial hospital visit or encounter where the poisoning is first evaluated and treated. It is used when the specific substance causing the toxic effect cannot be identified or is not documented.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "intentional self-harm" and that the substance is "unspecified."
• This code is for the "initial encounter" only; subsequent care for the same poisoning event will require a different seventh character.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.