ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAlcohol Intoxication

Alcohol Intoxication

ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Intoxication(F10.0, F10.12-, T51.0)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYEmergency Medicine
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Alcohol Intoxication?
Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Intoxication

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, and altered mental status.
  • Laboratory findings may include elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, typically above 0.08% for legal intoxication.
  • Physical examination may reveal signs of ataxia, nystagmus, and decreased reflexes.
  • Imaging studies are generally not required but may be used to rule out other conditions in severe cases.
  • Severity can be assessed based on BAC levels and clinical presentation, ranging from mild intoxication to severe alcohol poisoning.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Document the patient's history of alcohol use, including quantity and frequency.
  • Specific terminology such as 'acute alcohol intoxication' should be used.
  • Examples include noting the patient's BAC level and observed symptoms during examination.
  • Medical necessity should be documented, especially if treatment or observation is required.
  • Quality measures may include documentation of interventions and follow-up plans.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use F10.0 for uncomplicated alcohol intoxication; F10.12 for intoxication with withdrawal symptoms.
  • Do not use these codes for chronic alcohol use disorders or alcohol-related medical conditions.
  • F10.9 (Alcohol use disorder, unspecified) may be used for patients with a history of alcohol use but not currently intoxicated.
  • Common errors include misclassifying alcohol intoxication as alcohol dependence; ensure clinical criteria are met.
  • In complex cases, consider the patient's full clinical picture and any co-occurring conditions.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Exclude codes for chronic alcohol use disorders when the patient is not currently intoxicated.
  • Alternative codes for chronic conditions include F10.1 and F10.2.
  • Conditions are excluded to ensure accurate representation of the patient's current state.
  • Avoid confusion between intoxication and withdrawal symptoms; document clearly.
  • Related conditions such as alcohol-induced psychotic disorder should be coded separately.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
F10.0
Alcohol intoxication, uncomplicated
F10.12
Alcohol intoxication with withdrawal
Ancillary Codes
Y90.-
Differential Codes
F10.12-
F10.22-
F10.0

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • Applies to patients presenting with acute intoxication symptoms.
  • Patient populations include adults, particularly those with a history of alcohol use.
  • Clinical settings include emergency departments and urgent care facilities.
  • Relevant for emergency medicine specialists and addiction medicine providers.
  • Used in treatment contexts involving detoxification or emergency interventions.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with alcohol intoxication based on BAC of [value] and clinical signs of [symptoms].'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with alcohol intoxication including slurred speech and impaired coordination.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for alcohol intoxication met as evidenced by BAC level of [value] and observed symptoms.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for alcohol intoxication with monitoring and supportive care.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for alcohol intoxication including assessment of withdrawal symptoms and counseling.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Document the patient's BAC, clinical signs, and any interventions initiated.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Alcohol intoxication is acute, while alcohol use disorder is chronic.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure medical necessity is documented to support claims for treatment.

What procedures are typically associated?

CPT codes for alcohol screening and interventions may be relevant.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include tracking interventions and patient outcomes.