F18.921

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A person using inhalants without dependence who is currently intoxicated and experiencing delirium (confusion, disorientation, and altered consciousness).

Coding Tips

• •Document specific delirium symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status
• •Distinguish from F18.920 by confirming presence of delirium complications

Clinical Significance

This code identifies intoxication delirium from inhalant use, a severe acute presentation with altered consciousness, disorientation, and potential for dangerous behavior. Intoxication delirium often requires emergency department evaluation and potential hospitalization for medical stabilization. Capturing this code accurately reflects the elevated acuity and resource intensity of these encounters.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Provider documentation of inhalant use, specifying the type of inhalant when known (e.g., toluene, gasoline, aerosol propellants, nitrites)
• ✓Documentation of substance use pattern; query provider to determine if abuse or dependence criteria are met for more specific coding
• ✓Documentation of acute intoxication state with signs and symptoms present at the time of encounter
• ✓Clinical findings supporting delirium: acute onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness, disorientation, and cognitive disturbance temporally related to substance intoxication
• ✓Assessment and plan addressing the substance use disorder with treatment approach documented

Commonly Confused Codes