Drug Induced Diarrhea - code first?

m1ghtymurs3m1ghtymurs3
in Clinical & Coding

Hi,

When coding drug induced diarrhea the index points you to K521, and the coding clinic from 1Q 2019 backs that up. However, there is a "Code first (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent" note under the code. The coding clinic doesn't address this, and while I understand that those toxic effect codes are non-medicinal, it seems like a breakdown in the coding logic to me. I feel like it should say "Code first (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent if non-medicinal" What am I missing?


Thanks for the help!

Comments

  • BTC2018BTC2018

    If non-medicinal (harmful), the first note is followed (Code first (T51-T65) as that would be toxic. See Chapter specific guideline 19.e.(d)

    If 'properly prescribed and administered' you follow the second instructional note 'Use additional code for adverse effect (T36-T50) since only 'medicinal' would be 'adverse effect'.

    K52.1 Toxic gastroenteritis and colitis

    Drug-induced gastroenteritis and colitis

    Code first (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent

    Use additional code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)

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