The ICD-10-CM code for metabolic encephalopathy is G93.41 (Metabolic encephalopathy), a billable code reported when brain dysfunction results from an underlying metabolic disturbance rather than a structural or primary neurological cause.
Primary codes
Billable
Billable
Extension
—
7th character
—
POA exempt
No
Inclusion terms
- Septic encephalopathy
Coding risks
- Missing a required companion or status code
Hierarchy
Code comparison
Compare key differences between related codes to select the most specific option.
| Code | Description | Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| G93.41 | Metabolic encephalopathy | Encephalopathy attributed to a documented metabolic cause such as hepatic, uremic, or electrolyte disturbance. |
| G93.40 | Encephalopathy, unspecified | Encephalopathy documented without a specified type, cause, or metabolic etiology in the chart. |
| G93.49 | Other encephalopathy | Encephalopathy with a specified cause documented that is not metabolic, anoxic, toxic, or another dedicated subtype. |
Select the most specific code supported by the encounter documentation. More specific codes improve reimbursement accuracy and reduce audit risk.
Code ranges
Other and unspecified encephalopathy
Category for encephalopathies not classified elsewhere, including metabolic, toxic, and unspecified forms of diffuse brain dysfunction.
Other disorders of the nervous system
Sub-chapter covering pain, brain and spinal cord disorders, and other conditions of the central nervous system not classified elsewhere.
Toxic encephalopathy
Encephalopathy caused by exposure to drugs, chemicals, or other exogenous toxic substances affecting brain function.
Wernicke's encephalopathy
Thiamine deficiency encephalopathy classified under nutritional deficiencies rather than nervous system disorders.
Hepatic encephalopathy
Encephalopathy secondary to liver failure classified within diseases of the digestive system.
Coding risks
Avoid these common coding issues when reporting Metabolic Encephalopathy.
Impact
Assigning G93.41 without explicit metabolic cause may miscode as toxic encephalopathy (G92) or unspecified (G93.40).
Mitigation
Consider querying the provider when etiology is absent rather than inferring from lab abnormalities or medication lists.
Related codes
Ancillary and co-coding
Codes commonly reported with the primary diagnosis on the same claim.
Differential codes
Alternative or commonly confused codes to consider when documentation suggests a different condition than the primary diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Use G93.40 only when the provider documents encephalopathy without specifying a cause. If metabolic etiology is documented, assign G93.41 instead.
References
Compiled from the following authoritative coding references. Last updated 2026-08-04.