T63.091A Toxic effect of venom of other snake, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Toxic effect of venom of other snake, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter.
- ICD-10 Code: T63.091A

#### Summary
This condition refers to the toxic health effects experienced by an individual upon being bitten or envenomated by a snake, where the incident is considered accidental or unintentional. This entry deals specifically with the initial encounter, indicating the first time medical attention is sought for this particular snakebite incident.

#### Causes
- This condition is caused by the injection of snake venom into the body through a bite from a venomous snake. The specific toxins in the venom depend on the species of snake involved.

#### Risk Factors
- Living in or visiting areas with high populations of venomous snakes.
- Outdoor activities such as hiking or camping in snake habitats.
- Lack of protective clothing or footwear in snake-prone areas.

#### Symptoms
- Localized pain, swelling, and redness at the bite site.
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing if systemic effects occur.
- Blurred vision or muscle weakness, depending on the snake species.

#### Diagnosis
- Clinical assessment of symptoms and patient history.
- Identification of fang marks and assessment of local and systemic reactions.
- Laboratory tests (e.g., blood coagulation profile, renal function tests) may be used to identify systemic effects.

#### Treatment Options
- Administration of antivenom specific to the snake species, if available and indicated.
- Supportive care, including wound care, pain management, and monitoring for allergic reactions.
- Tetanus prophylaxis may be considered.
- Hospitalization for severe cases involving significant systemic reactions.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis depends on the snake species, severity of envenomation, and timeliness of treatment.
- Most patients recover fully with prompt and appropriate treatment.
- Regular follow-up may be necessary to monitor for complications.

#### Complications
- Tissue necrosis or infection at the bite site.
- Systemic allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
- Coagulopathy or renal failure in severe cases.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Stay alert and cautious when hiking or camping.
- Wear protective clothing and boots in snake-infested areas.
- Avoid handling or provoking snakes; keep a safe distance.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a snake, especially if experiencing significant pain, swelling, or systemic symptoms like difficulty breathing.

#### Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Snakebite Information [CDC Snakebite](https://www.cdc.gov/features/Snakebites/index.html)
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Snakebite Envenoming [WHO Snakebite Envenoming](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/snakebite-envenoming)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the encounter type is correctly coded as 'initial' in situations where this is the first instance of medical care for the snakebite.
- Confirm that the notation accurately reflects the accidental and unintentional nature of the incident.
- Avoid common errors such as confusing the snake species or secondary encounter codes.

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