F18.27
BillableInhalant dependence with inhalant-induced dementia
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 135 — Drug/Alcohol Psychosis
0.000V24HCC 54 — Drug/Alcohol Psychosis
0.434ESRDHCC 54 — Drug/Alcohol Psychosis
0.000What This Code Means
A person dependent on inhalants who has developed dementia (permanent memory loss and cognitive decline) caused by their chronic inhalant abuse.
Coding Tips
- •Document the causal relationship between inhalant dependence and dementia development
- •This represents permanent cognitive damage from inhalant exposure, not temporary intoxication effects
Clinical Significance
Inhalant dependence with induced dementia is among the most severe inhalant-related diagnoses. Chronic exposure to toluene and other volatile solvents causes progressive white matter destruction, leading to irreversible cognitive decline, memory loss, and functional impairment. These patients require long-term custodial care and intensive medical support.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of inhalant dependence
- ✓Formal cognitive assessment demonstrating dementia (MMSE, MoCA, or neuropsychological battery)
- ✓Provider statement linking dementia to chronic inhalant use
- ✓Brain MRI showing white matter changes, cerebellar atrophy, or basal ganglia damage
- ✓Functional assessment documenting impact on daily activities
- ✓Timeline of cognitive decline relative to inhalant use history
- ✓Differentiation from other dementia etiologies
Commonly Confused Codes
F18.17 — Inhalant abuse with induced dementia; use when abuse rather than dependenceF18.97 — Inhalant use, unspecified with induced dementia; less specific use patternF03.90 — Unspecified dementia; use for dementia of unknown causeF02.80 — Dementia in other diseases; used with underlying condition code
Code Hierarchy
└F18Inhalant related disorders└F18.2Inhalant dependence└F18.27Inhalant dependence with inhalant-induced dementia
└F18.27Inhalant dependence with inhalant-induced dementia