What is the ICD-10 code for loss of consciousness?

The ICD-10 code for unspecified loss of consciousness is R40.20. For traumatic brain injury with LOC, use S06.2X- codes.

When should I use S06.2X9D?

Use S06.2X9D for subsequent encounters of traumatic brain injury with LOC of unspecified duration.

ICD-10 Coding for Loss of Consciousness(R40.20, R40.2, S06.2X)

Save

Explore ICD-10 codes for loss of consciousness, including R40.20 and S06.2X9D. Learn about documentation requirements and coding strategies.

Also known as:

LOCSyncopeFainting

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Loss of Consciousness

R00-R99Primary Range

Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified

→

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

Code	Description	When to Use	Key Documentation
R40.20	Unspecified coma	Use when the patient presents with a non-traumatic loss of consciousness without a clear etiology.	Negative CT head Normal EEG No cardiac arrhythmia
S06.2X9D	Diffuse traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness of unspecified duration, subsequent encounter	Use for subsequent encounters for a traumatic brain injury with LOC of unspecified duration.	CT/MRI showing diffuse edema Documented trauma mechanism

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes

Unspecified coma

R40.20Billable

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions

Diffuse traumatic brain injuryS06.2X

Use when there is a traumatic mechanism with confirmed LOC.

Unspecified comaR40.20

Use when LOC is non-traumatic and etiology is unclear.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common issues when documenting Loss of Consciousness.

Failure to specify LOC duration

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation

Train staff on the importance of documenting LOC duration., Use templates that prompt for LOC details.

Unspecified LOC duration

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG weights and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Data Quality: Decreases the specificity and quality of healthcare data.

Mitigation

Document the duration of LOC explicitly.

LOC Documentation

Impact

Inadequate documentation of LOC duration can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation

Ensure all clinical staff are trained to document LOC duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with R40.20.

Primary Code

R40.20

Unspecified coma

Quick Navigation

ICD-10 codes5

Coding risks3

FAQs2

ICD-10 Coding for Loss of Consciousness(R40.20, R40.2, S06.2X)

Documentation & Coding Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for loss of consciousness?

When should I use S06.2X9D?

Related condition guides