Hypothermia, initial encounter

This code signifies a dangerously low core body temperature, typically below 95°F (35°C), resulting from prolonged exposure to cold or impaired thermoregulation. It represents the initial presentation of the patient for this specific hypothermic episode.

Apply this code for patients presenting to an emergency department or admitted to a hospital for the first time with signs and symptoms of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness, due to environmental exposure or an underlying medical condition affecting temperature regulation.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) to identify the circumstances of the hypothermia, if known.
• Do not use this code for therapeutic hypothermia induced for medical purposes.
• Ensure documentation clearly states this is the initial encounter for the hypothermia episode.