AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2021 Issue 4; ICD-10-CM New/Revised Codes
Non-Suicidal Self-Harm
A new code has been created to describe non-suicidal self-harm (R45.88). The new code provides a way to differentiate between suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm, and allows non-suicidal self-harm to be treated and tracked in clinical databases. Non-suicidal self-harm is directly and intentionally inflicting damage to one’s own body without intention of suicide. Self-harm may include cutting, biting, burning, severe abrading or scratching, pinching, banging or punching objects and oneself, and breaking bones. Self-harm is not a mental illness, but a behavior that indicates a need for better coping skills. It is a harmful way to...
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Article Overview
This article covers the introduction of a diagnosis code for non-suicidal self-harm, the general clinical distinction from suicidal self-harm, and the broader behavioral and mental health context associated with the condition. It is relevant to coding professionals, clinicians, and analysts who need to understand how this diagnosis is represented in clinical records and databases.
Why This Topic Matters
The topic matters because it supports more precise documentation and reporting of a behavior that can be clinically significant without indicating suicidal intent. It also helps users recognize that this subject may require attention to associated injury coding and broader behavioral health documentation.
What You Will Learn
- What non-suicidal self-harm refers to in a general clinical sense
- Why a distinct diagnosis code was added for this behavior
- How the topic relates to behavioral health documentation and tracking
- What kinds of accompanying injury documentation may be relevant in general terms
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Physicians and other clinicians
- Health information management professionals
Codes Discussed
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