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 Abuse With Intoxication

Alcohol Abuse With Intoxication

ICD-10 Coding for Alcohol Abuse with Intoxication(F10.122, F10.129)

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

Diagnosis Overview

What is Alcohol Abuse With Intoxication?
Essential facts and insights about Alcohol Abuse with Intoxication

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress, as evidenced by recurrent alcohol-related legal problems, interpersonal conflicts, or failure to fulfill major role obligations.
  • Laboratory findings may include elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, typically above 0.08% for intoxication.
  • Physical examination findings may include slurred speech, unsteady gait, impaired coordination, and altered mental status.
  • Imaging or procedural findings are generally not applicable for intoxication but may be relevant if complications arise, such as head trauma.
  • Severity criteria include the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, as well as the impact on daily functioning and health.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Documentation must include a clear statement of the diagnosis, including the severity and any associated complications.
  • Specific terminology such as 'alcohol intoxication' and 'alcohol use disorder' must be used appropriately.
  • Examples include: 'Patient presents with acute alcohol intoxication and exhibits slurred speech and impaired coordination.'
  • Medical necessity must be documented, indicating the need for treatment or intervention due to the intoxication.
  • Quality measures may include documentation of screening for alcohol use and follow-up care plans.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use this diagnosis code when a patient presents with acute intoxication and meets the criteria for alcohol abuse.
  • Do NOT use this code for patients with alcohol dependence without intoxication or for those with a history of alcohol use without current symptoms.
  • Similar codes include F10.20 (Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated) and F10.21 (Alcohol dependence, in remission).
  • Common coding errors include misclassifying alcohol dependence as abuse; ensure the clinical scenario matches the code.
  • In complex cases, consider the patient's history, current symptoms, and any co-occurring mental health disorders.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Conditions explicitly excluded include alcohol dependence without intoxication and alcohol-induced disorders not related to abuse.
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include F10.20 for alcohol dependence without intoxication.
  • Conditions are excluded to ensure accurate representation of the patient's current clinical status.
  • Common exclusion mistakes include coding intoxication when the patient is only dependent; ensure current symptoms are present.
  • Related but distinct conditions include substance use disorders involving other substances, such as opioids or stimulants.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
F10.122
Alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated
F10.129
Alcohol abuse with intoxication, unspecified
Ancillary Codes
Y90.8
R26.81
Differential Codes
F10.229
F10.222

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Specialty Applications

  • This diagnosis applies to individuals with a pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment.
  • Patient populations include adults of all genders, particularly those with risk factors such as a history of substance use or mental health disorders.
  • Clinical settings include emergency departments, inpatient units, and outpatient addiction treatment centers.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and addiction medicine.
  • Treatment contexts include acute management of intoxication and long-term rehabilitation strategies.

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 abuse with intoxication based on clinical findings of slurred speech and impaired coordination.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with alcohol intoxication including elevated BAC and altered mental status.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse met as evidenced by recurrent legal issues and interpersonal conflicts.'

Template 4

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

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for alcohol abuse with intoxication including referrals to addiction services.'

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?

Documentation must include clinical findings, patient history, and any relevant laboratory results.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Alcohol abuse with intoxication specifically refers to acute impairment due to alcohol, while dependence indicates a chronic pattern.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the services provided and that medical necessity is clearly documented.

What procedures are typically associated?

Commonly associated procedures include alcohol level testing and interventions for intoxication management.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include screening for alcohol use and follow-up care documentation.