The ICD-10-CM code for alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated (F10.120) is used when a patient has a documented pattern of alcohol abuse and is currently experiencing intoxication, without additional complications such as delirium, withdrawal, or alcohol-induced mental disorders.
Correct use of this code is critical for accurate medical billing, clinical documentation, risk adjustment, and payer compliance, especially in emergency, outpatient, and behavioral health settings.
Related: ICD-10 Code for Alcohol Abuse, In Remission
ICD Code Description
ICD-10-CM Code: F10.120
Diagnosis: Alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated
This code applies when a patient demonstrates problematic alcohol use consistent with alcohol abuse, and the encounter includes acute alcohol intoxication, but no further complications are present.
Key Clinical Elements
- Established or documented alcohol abuse
- Current alcohol intoxication
- Uncomplicated presentation
- No delirium, withdrawal, psychosis, mood disorder, or other alcohol-induced conditions
ICD-10-CM codes for alcohol use disorders do not include laterality, but they are highly specific to acuity and severity.
Category & Code Type
ICD-10-CM Chapter
-
Chapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (F01–F99)
Category
- F10 – Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol
- F10.12 – Alcohol abuse with intoxication
Code Type
- Billable/Specific Code: Yes
- F10.120 is valid for reimbursement and claims submission
Includes / Excludes Notes
Includes:
-
Acute alcohol intoxication in a patient with alcohol abuse
Excludes:
-
Alcohol dependence with intoxication (F10.22-)
-
Alcohol abuse without intoxication (F10.10)
-
Alcohol intoxication delirium (F10.121)
-
Alcohol withdrawal (F10.13-)
-
Alcohol-induced psychotic, mood, or anxiety disorders (F10.14–F10.18)
Always code the most specific condition documented.
Coding Guidelines
When assigning F10.120, follow these ICD-10-CM guidelines:
- The provider must document both alcohol abuse and intoxication
- If dependence is documented, do not code abuse—dependence takes priority
- Do not use F10.120 if delirium or other complications are present
- Code only current, active conditions, not history alone
- Clinical judgment and provider documentation drive code selection
Billing Considerations
Reimbursement Impact
- Commonly reported in emergency departments, urgent care, and hospital outpatient settings
- Supports billing for evaluation, monitoring, stabilization, and counseling services
Medical Necessity
- Documentation must justify the need for treatment related to intoxication
- Payers may scrutinize repeat claims for alcohol-related diagnoses
Payer Considerations
- May trigger behavioral health reviews or care coordination
- Often paired with screening or brief intervention services (e.g., SBIRT)
Documentation Tips
Strong documentation should clearly state:
- Diagnosis of alcohol abuse
- Evidence of current intoxication (behavioral signs, clinical findings)
- Confirmation that the intoxication is uncomplicated
- Patient’s mental status and level of impairment
- Treatment provided (observation, counseling, referral)
Avoid nonspecific terms like “ETOH use” without clinical context.
Common Clinical Examples
- Emergency visit for impaired coordination due to alcohol, no delirium noted
- Patient evaluated for intoxication with a known history of alcohol abuse
- Outpatient visit documenting intoxication-related risk behavior without complications
- Behavioral health consult following acute intoxication episode
Common Errors & Denials
Frequent coding mistakes include:
- Using F10.120 when alcohol dependence is documented
- Coding uncomplicated intoxication when delirium is present
- Insufficient documentation supporting abuse vs. casual use
- Reporting F10.120 for historical intoxication only
These errors can result in claim denials or downcoding.
Key Takeaways
- F10.120 = alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated
- It is a billable ICD-10-CM code
- Requires documentation of both abuse and intoxication
- Do not use if dependence or complications are present
- Accurate documentation improves reimbursement and compliance
FAQ:
What is the ICD-10 code for alcohol abuse with intoxication, uncomplicated?
The correct ICD-10-CM code is F10.120.
Is F10.120 a billable diagnosis code?
Yes, F10.120 is billable and valid for reimbursement.
Can F10.120 be used if the patient has delirium?
No. Alcohol intoxication with delirium should be coded to F10.121.
What if alcohol dependence is documented?
If dependence is present, use F10.22- (alcohol dependence with intoxication) instead. Dependence overrides abuse.
Is F10.120 appropriate for emergency department visits?
Yes. It is commonly used for ED encounters involving uncomplicated alcohol intoxication in patients with alcohol abuse.
