R41.82 – Altered mental status, unspecified

Learn more about the ICD code R41.82 for altered mental status, unspecified, and how to use this code.

By Patricia Buenaventura on Aug 8, 2025.

R41.82 diagnosis code: Altered mental status, unspecified

ICD code R41.82 is a diagnosis code for altered mental status, unspecified. It is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition. It is used to classify cases where an individual's mental status change is not attributed to a specific cause or condition.

Altered mental status or altered mental state is characterized by disturbances in thought processes, consciousness, or behavior resulting from delirium, dementia, encephalopathy, intoxication, or withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. Medical conditions like a stroke or brain injury can also cause it.

When coding this diagnosis, healthcare providers should consider the patient's symptoms and other factors affecting their mental state. This includes age, gender, underlying mental health issues, and substance use.

In general, mental status codes should accurately reflect a patient's current state of mental health. This includes any changes in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, or other cognitive abilities. Healthcare providers will also document if any signs of depression or delusions could be affecting their mental status.

Is R41.82 billable?

Yes, the code for unspecified altered mental status is a billable ICD-10 code.

Clinical information

R41.82 code refers to changes in cognitive function status. It may include changes in memory, reasoning, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive abilities and can lead to an instability in one's emotional state. There are many potential causes of a patient's altered mental status, including:

Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
Traumatic brain injury
Stroke
Seizures
Drug or alcohol use
Metabolic imbalances, such as low blood sugar or electrolyte disturbances
Dementia or other cognitive disorders
Psychiatric conditions or mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety

Coming up with an accurate diagnosis for altered mental status involves a thorough physical and neurological examination, reviewing the patient's medical history, and any medications they may be taking.

Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies (such as CT or MRI scans), or electroencephalography (EEG), may also be ordered by mental health professionals to help identify the underlying cause of the altered mental status.

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for altered mental status

Here's a list of the altered mental status ICD codes healthcare professionals can use:

R40.4: Transient alteration of awareness
R41.0: Disorientation, unspecified
R41.1: Anterograde amnesia
R41.2: Retrograde amnesia
R41.89: Other symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness

Commonly asked questions

An altered mental status occurs when a change in a person's cognitive function, alertness, or attention causes manifestations like changes in speech/behavior, disorientation, confusion, etc.

It depends on the type or severity. It can last hours or days, especially when it's acute, or months and years for chronic.

It can be cured, especially if the cause can be cured, such as infection or dehydration.

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