What does ICD-10 code R40.221 mean?

ICD-10 code R40.221 is the standardized code used for coma scale, best verbal response, none in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code R40.221 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code R40.221 when recording coma scale, best verbal response, none in a standardized format.

Does ICD-10 code R40.221 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code R40.221: Coma scale, best verbal response, none

Name: ICD-10 Code R40.221: Coma scale, best verbal response, none
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:30:36.175Z

R40.221 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Coma scale, best verbal response, none in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents coma scale, best verbal response, none in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter

18Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)

block

R40-R46Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior

Official coding notes

Inclusion terms

Coma scale verbal score of 1

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

General Physician

Sibling codes

R40.222Coma scale, best verbal response, incomprehensible wordsbillable R40.223Coma scale, best verbal response, inappropriate wordsbillable R40.224Coma scale, best verbal response, confused conversationbillable R40.225Coma scale, best verbal response, orientedbillable

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Coma scale, best verbal response, none

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.