F18.950

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

This code describes a person who uses inhalants (such as glue, paint thinner, or other volatile substances) and has developed a serious mental condition involving psychotic symptoms, specifically false beliefs (delusions) that feel completely real to them. The inhalant use pattern is not specified as occasional, regular, or in remission.

Coding Tips

• •Verify documentation clearly states both the inhalant use disorder and the psychotic disorder with delusions before assigning this code; do not assume psychosis is inhalant-induced without explicit clinical documentation
• •Check if the inhalant use pattern can be more specifically documented (F18.920 for in remission, F18.921 for in early remission, or F18.922 for in sustained remission) as this may provide more accurate clinical information

Clinical Significance

This code captures substance-induced psychotic disorder, which represents a serious psychiatric complication of inhalant use. Substance-induced psychosis significantly increases healthcare utilization, emergency department visits, and hospitalization risk, making accurate capture critical for risk adjustment. These patients require intensive psychiatric management and close monitoring for progression to chronic psychotic disorders.

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 fixed false beliefs (delusions) that developed during or shortly after substance use and are directly attributable to the substance
• ✓Assessment and plan addressing the substance use disorder with treatment approach documented

Commonly Confused Codes