AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2016 Issue 4; ICD-10-CM NEW/REVISED CODES
Glasgow Coma Scale
Subcategory R40.24-, Glasgow coma scale, total score, will require a 7th character to indicate when the scale was recorded. The 7th characters are similar to those already in existence for the Glasgow coma scale individual scores (R40.21- to R40.23-): 0 - unspecified time1 - in the field [EMT or ambulance]2 - at arrival to emergency department3 - at hospital admission4 - 24 hours or more after hospital admission A code from subcategory R40.24 should be assigned when only the total coma score is documented. In addition, the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting have...
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Article Overview
This article covers ICD-10-CM guidance for Glasgow Coma Scale reporting, focusing on how the total score category is documented and how official guidelines have been revised. It is relevant to coding professionals working with emergency, inpatient, and critical care documentation, especially when determining whether coma scale codes may apply in nontrauma situations. The article also places the topic in the context of ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting updates.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate Glasgow Coma Scale reporting depends on knowing the documentation timing framework and the scope of conditions for which the code category may be used. This matters for coding consistency in emergency, inpatient, and intensive care records.
What You Will Learn
- How the Glasgow Coma Scale total score category is structured in ICD-10-CM
- What documentation timing concepts are associated with the total score category
- How updated official guidelines affect the broader use of coma scale codes
- Which care settings are commonly relevant to Glasgow Coma Scale documentation
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation improvement specialists
- Billing specialists
- Health information management professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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