If you look for metabolic encephalopathy, it has the code G93. 41 with the subcategories of drug induced and toxic, both with G92 codes. On the other hand, it can also be looked at as yes, you can code both.

Can encephalopathy be used as principal diagnosis?

When encephalopathy is the principal diagnosis, the UTI can be added as a CC. When the encephalopathy is a principal diagnosis, auditor denials are not the issue; the real concern is with the documentation not supporting it as a reportable condition.

Is encephalopathy a diagnosis?

The diagnosis of encephalopathy is usually made with clinical tests done during the physical examination (mental status tests, memory tests, and coordination tests) that document an altered mental state. In most cases, findings on clinical tests either diagnose or presumptively diagnose encephalopathy.