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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code T38
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T38

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antagonists, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Code:
T38
ICD-10 Code for:
Hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antag, NEC
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances
      (T36-T50)
      • Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antagonists, not elsewhere classified
        (T38)

T38 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antagonists, not elsewhere classified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antag, NEC

Non-specific codes like T38 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antag, nec:

  • T38.0 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.0X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.1 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of thyroid hormones and substitutes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.1X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of thyroid hormones and substitutes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.2 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of antithyroid drugs - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.2X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of antithyroid drugs - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.3 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of insulin and oral hypoglycemic [antidiabetic] drugs - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.3X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of insulin and oral hypoglycemic [antidiabetic] drugs - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.4 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of oral contraceptives - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.4X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of oral contraceptives - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.5 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of other estrogens and progestogens - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.5X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of other estrogens and progestogens - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.6 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of antigonadotrophins, antiestrogens, antiandrogens, not elsewhere classified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.6X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of antigonadotrophins, antiestrogens, antiandrogens, not elsewhere classified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.7 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of androgens and anabolic congeners - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.7X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of androgens and anabolic congeners - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.8 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of other and unspecified hormones and synthetic substitutes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.80 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of unspecified hormones and synthetic substitutes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.81 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of anterior pituitary [adenohypophyseal] hormones - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.89 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of other hormones and synthetic substitutes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.9 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of other and unspecified hormone antagonists - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.90 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of unspecified hormone antagonists - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T38.99 for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of other hormone antagonists - NON-BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

When coding a poisoning or reaction to the improper use of a medication (e.g., overdose, wrong substance given or taken in error, wrong route of administration), first assign the appropriate code from categories T36-T50. The poisoning codes have an associated intent as their 5th or 6th character (accidental, intentional self-harm, assault and undetermined. If the intent of the poisoning is unknown or unspecified, code the intent as accidental intent. The undetermined intent is only for use if the documentation in the record specifies that the intent cannot be determined. Use additional code(s) for all manifestations of poisonings.

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antagonists, not elsewhere classified (T38). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • mineralocorticoids and their antagonists T50.0
  • oxytocic hormones T48.0
  • parathyroid hormones and derivatives T50.9

7th Character Note

7th Character Note
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T38

7th Character

7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Patient Education


Drug Reactions

Most of the time, medicines make our lives better. They reduce aches and pains, fight infections, and control problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. But medicines can also cause unwanted reactions, such as drug interactions, side effects, and allergies.

What is a drug interaction?

A drug interaction is a change in the way a drug acts in the body when taken with certain other drugs, foods, or supplements or when taken while you have certain medical conditions. Examples include:

  • Two drugs, such as aspirin and blood thinners
  • Drugs and food, such as statins and grapefruit
  • Drugs and supplements, such as gingko and blood thinners
  • Drugs and medical conditions, such as aspirin and peptic ulcers

Interactions could cause a drug to be more or less effective, cause side effects, or change the way one or both drugs work.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted, usually unpleasant, effects caused by medicines. Most are mild, such as a stomachache, dry mouth, or drowsiness, and go away after you stop taking the medicine. Others can be more serious. Sometimes a drug can interact with a disease that you have and cause a side effect. For example, if you have a heart condition, certain decongestants can cause you to have a rapid heartbeat.

What are drug allergies?

Drug allergies are another type of reaction. They can range from mild to life-threatening. Skin reactions, such as hives and rashes, are the most common type. Anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, is less common.

How can I stay safe when taking medicines?

When you start a new prescription or over-the-counter medicine, make sure you understand how to take it correctly. Know which other medicines, foods, and supplements you need to avoid. Always talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions about your medicines.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.