The ICD-10-CM code for alcohol abuse with intoxication, unspecified (F10.129) is used when a patient has a documented pattern of alcohol abuse and presents with acute alcohol intoxication, but the specific features or complications of intoxication are not clearly defined.
Correct use of this code is important for accurate medical billing, claims processing, clinical reporting, and regulatory compliance, particularly in emergency and outpatient settings.
ICD Code Description
ICD-10-CM Code: F10.129
Diagnosis: Alcohol abuse with intoxication, unspecified
This code applies when alcohol abuse is confirmed and the patient is intoxicated, but documentation does not specify complications such as delirium, perceptual disturbances, or other intoxication-related conditions.
Clinical Specificity
- Condition: Alcohol abuse (not dependence)
- Acuity: Acute intoxication
- Severity: Unspecified
- Laterality: Not applicable
- Status: Active condition
Category & Code Type
ICD-10-CM Chapter
-
Chapter 5: Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (F01–F99)
ICD-10 Category
- F10 – Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol
- F10.12 – Alcohol abuse with intoxication
Code Type
- F10.129 is a billable and specific ICD-10-CM code
- Valid for reimbursement across multiple care settings
Includes / Excludes Notes
Includes:
-
Alcohol abuse with intoxication, not otherwise specified
Excludes:
- Alcohol abuse without intoxication (F10.10)
- Alcohol abuse with intoxication, delirium (F10.121)
- Alcohol abuse with intoxication, perceptual disturbance (F10.122)
- Alcohol dependence with intoxication (F10.22-)
- Alcohol withdrawal or withdrawal delirium (F10.23-)
Use a more specific code when additional details are documented.
Coding Guidelines
When assigning F10.129, follow ICD-10-CM coding rules:
- Code based on provider-documented diagnosis
- Do not assign unspecified codes if specific intoxication features are documented
- Alcohol dependence supersedes abuse if both are noted
- Distinguish intoxication from withdrawal-related conditions
- Use the highest level of specificity supported by documentation
Billing Considerations
Reimbursement Impact
- Commonly supports billing for emergency department visits, observation services, and outpatient evaluations
- May impact severity of illness reporting, though less than specified intoxication codes
Payer Considerations
- Payers may request additional documentation to justify medical necessity
- Unspecified codes can increase the risk of claim review or downcoding
- Some payers prefer more specific F10.12- codes when available
Documentation Tips
To support appropriate use of F10.129, documentation should include:
- Clear diagnosis of alcohol abuse
- Evidence of current intoxication
- Reason for encounter and clinical impact
- Treatment provided (monitoring, IV fluids, counseling)
- Clarification when specific intoxication features are not present or not assessed
Whenever possible, document details that allow coding to a more specific intoxication subtype.
Common Clinical Examples
- Emergency visit for acute alcohol intoxication with no documented complications
- Urgent care evaluation noting intoxicated behavior without mental status changes
- Outpatient assessment for alcohol misuse with observed intoxication
- Observation stay for safety monitoring related to intoxication
Common Errors & Denials
Frequent mistakes include:
- Using F10.129 when delirium or perceptual disturbances are documented
- Coding abuse instead of dependence
- Overuse of unspecified codes when specificity exists
- Insufficient documentation of intoxication
These issues may lead to claim denials or payer audits.
Key Takeaways
- F10.129 represents alcohol abuse with intoxication, unspecified
- It is a billable ICD-10-CM code under mental and behavioral disorders
- Use only when intoxication is documented without specific complications
- Dependence overrides abuse in coding hierarchy
- Detailed documentation improves coding accuracy and reimbursement
FAQ
What is the ICD-10 code for alcohol abuse with intoxication, unspecified?
The correct ICD-10-CM code is F10.129.
Is F10.129 a billable diagnosis code?
Yes, F10.129 is billable and valid for reimbursement.
When should F10.129 be used?
Use this code when alcohol abuse and intoxication are documented, but no specific intoxication-related complications are identified.
Can F10.129 be used if delirium is present?
No. If delirium is documented, use F10.121 instead.
What is the difference between F10.120 and F10.129?
F10.120 specifies intoxication without complications, while F10.129 is used when the level or features of intoxication are unspecified.
