2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T38.0X6S

Underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, sequela

ICD-10-CM Code:
T38.0X6S
ICD-10 Code for:
Underdosing of glucocort/synth analog, sequela
Is Billable?
Yes - Valid for Submission
Chronic Condition Indicator: [1]
Not chronic
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)

T38.0X6S is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, sequela. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The code is exempt from present on admission (POA) reporting for inpatient admissions to general acute care hospitals.

This code describes a circumstance which influences the patient's health status but not a current illness or injury. The code is unacceptable as a principal diagnosis.

T38.0X6S is a sequela code, includes a 7th character and should be used for complications that arise as a direct result of a condition like underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues. According to ICD-10-CM Guidelines a "sequela" code should be used for chronic or residual conditions that are complications of an initial acute disease, illness or injury. The most common sequela is pain. Usually, two diagnosis codes are needed when reporting sequela. The first code describes the nature of the sequela while the second code describes the sequela or late effect.

Clinical Classification

Clinical Information

  • Dexamethasone

    an anti-inflammatory 9-fluoro-glucocorticoid.
  • Dexamethasone Isonicotinate

    an anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic glucocorticoid that can be administered orally, by inhalation, locally, and parenterally. it may cause water and salt retention.
  • Fluprednisolone

    a synthetic glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Glucocorticoids

    a group of corticosteroids that affect carbohydrate metabolism (gluconeogenesis, liver glycogen deposition, elevation of blood sugar), inhibit adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion, and possess pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. they also play a role in fat and protein metabolism, maintenance of arterial blood pressure, alteration of the connective tissue response to injury, reduction in the number of circulating lymphocytes, and functioning of the central nervous system.
  • Receptors, Glucocorticoid

    cytoplasmic proteins that specifically bind glucocorticoids and mediate their cellular effects. the glucocorticoid receptor-glucocorticoid complex acts in the nucleus to induce transcription of dna. glucocorticoids were named for their actions on blood glucose concentration, but they have equally important effects on protein and fat metabolism. cortisol is the most important example.
  • Paramethasone

    a glucocorticoid with the general properties of corticosteroids. it has been used by mouth in the treatment of all conditions in which corticosteroid therapy is indicated except adrenal-deficiency states for which its lack of sodium-retaining properties makes it less suitable than hydrocortisone with supplementary fludrocortisone. (from martindale, the extra pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p737)
  • Prednisolone

    a glucocorticoid with the general properties of the corticosteroids. it is the drug of choice for all conditions in which routine systemic corticosteroid therapy is indicated, except adrenal deficiency states.
  • Prednisone

    a synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from cortisone. it is biologically inert and converted to prednisolone in the liver.
  • Triamcinolone

    a glucocorticoid given, as the free alcohol or in esterified form, orally, intramuscularly, by local injection, by inhalation, or applied topically in the management of various disorders in which corticosteroids are indicated. (from martindale, the extra pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p739)
  • Triamcinolone Acetonide

    an esterified form of triamcinolone. it is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid used topically in the treatment of various skin disorders. intralesional, intramuscular, and intra-articular injections are also administered under certain conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Underdosing refers to taking less of a medication than is prescribed by a provider or a manufacturer's instruction. Codes for underdosing should never be assigned as principal or first-listed codes. If a patient has a relapse or exacerbation of the medical condition for which the drug is prescribed because of the reduction in dose, then the medical condition itself should be coded.

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

Code Edits

The Medicare Code Editor (MCE) detects and reports errors in the coding of claims data. The following ICD-10-CM Code Edits are applicable to this code:

  • Unacceptable principal diagnosis - There are selected codes that describe a circumstance which influences an individual's health status but not a current illness or injury, or codes that are not specific manifestations but may be due to an underlying cause. These codes are considered unacceptable as a principal diagnosis.

Present on Admission (POA)

T38.0X6S is exempt from POA reporting - The Present on Admission (POA) indicator is used for diagnosis codes included in claims involving inpatient admissions to general acute care hospitals. POA indicators must be reported to CMS on each claim to facilitate the grouping of diagnoses codes into the proper Diagnostic Related Groups (DRG). CMS publishes a listing of specific diagnosis codes that are exempt from the POA reporting requirement. Review other POA exempt codes here.

CMS POA Indicator Options and Definitions

POA IndicatorReason for CodeCMS will pay the CC/MCC DRG?
YDiagnosis was present at time of inpatient admission.YES
NDiagnosis was not present at time of inpatient admission.NO
UDocumentation insufficient to determine if the condition was present at the time of inpatient admission.NO
WClinically undetermined - unable to clinically determine whether the condition was present at the time of inpatient admission.YES
1Unreported/Not used - Exempt from POA reporting. NO

Convert T38.0X6S to ICD-9-CM

  • ICD-9-CM Code: -
    No Map Flag -

Table of Drugs and Chemicals

The parent code T38.0X6 of the current diagnosis code is referenced in the Table of Drugs and Chemicals, this table contains a classification of drugs, industrial solvents, corrosive gases, noxious plants, pesticides, and other toxic agents.

According to ICD-10-CM coding guidelines it is advised to do not code directly from the Table of Drugs and Chemicals, instead always refer back to the Tabular List when doing the initial coding. Each substance in the table is assigned a code according to the poisoning classification and external causes of adverse effects. It is important to use as many codes as necessary to specify all reported drugs, medicinal or chemical substances. If the same diagnosis code describes the causative agent for more than one adverse reaction, poisoning, toxic effect or underdosing, utilize the code only once.

Substance Poisoning
Accidental
(unintentional)
Poisoning
Accidental
(self-harm)
Poisoning
Assault
Poisoning
Undetermined
Adverse
effect
Underdosing
Adrenal (extract, cortex or medulla) (glucocorticoids) (hormones) (mineralocorticoids)T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Adrenal (extract, cortex or medulla) (glucocorticoids) (hormones) (mineralocorticoids)
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Adrenal (extract, cortex or medulla) (glucocorticoids) (hormones) (mineralocorticoids)
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Adrenal (extract, cortex or medulla) (glucocorticoids) (hormones) (mineralocorticoids)
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
AristocortT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Aristocort
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Aristocort
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Aristocort
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CelestoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Celestone
  »topical
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
ClocortoloneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CloprednolT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CortateT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cort-DomeT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cort-Dome
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cort-Dome
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cort-Dome
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CortefT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortef
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortef
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortef
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CorticosteroidT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Corticosteroid
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Corticosteroid
  »mineral
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Corticosteroid
  »ophthalmic
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Corticosteroid
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortisone (acetate)T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortisone (acetate)
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortisone (acetate)
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortisone (acetate)
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CortivazolT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CortogenT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortogen
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortogen
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CortoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortone
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortone
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
CortrilT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortril
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortril
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Cortril
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
DecadronT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Decadron
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Decadron
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Decadron
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
DeflazacortT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
DeltasoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
DeltraT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
DexamethasoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Dexamethasone
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Dexamethasone
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Dexamethasone
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
DOCAT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
FlorinefT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Florinef
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Florinef
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Florinef
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
FluohydrocortisoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Fluohydrocortisone
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Fluohydrocortisone
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Fluohydrocortisone
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Fluorinated corticosteroidsT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
FluprednisoloneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Fluticasone propionateT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
GlucocorticoidsT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
GlucocorticosteroidT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
HydeltraT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortisone (derivatives)T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortisone (derivatives)
  »aceponate
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortisone (derivatives)
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortisone (derivatives)
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortisone (derivatives)
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
HydrocortoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortone
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortone
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Hydrocortone
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
KenacortT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
MeprednisoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
ParamethasoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Paramethasone
  »acetate
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
PercortenT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
PrednisoloneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Prednisolone
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Prednisolone
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Prednisolone
  »steaglate
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Prednisolone
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
PrednisoneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
PrednylideneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
SteroidT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Steroid
  »anabolic
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Steroid
  »androgenic
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Steroid
  »antineoplastic, hormone
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Steroid
  »antineoplastic, hormone
    »estrogen
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Steroid
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Steroid
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Steroid
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
TriamcinoloneT38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Triamcinolone
  »ENT agent
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Triamcinolone
  »hexacetonide
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Triamcinolone
  »ophthalmic preparation
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6
Triamcinolone
  »topical NEC
T38.0X1T38.0X2T38.0X3T38.0X4T38.0X5T38.0X6

Patient Education


Medication Errors

Medicines treat infectious diseases, prevent problems from chronic diseases, and ease pain. But medicines can also cause harmful reactions if not used correctly. Errors can happen in the hospital, at the health care provider's office, at the pharmacy, or at home. You can help prevent errors by:

  • Knowing your medicines. When you get a prescription, ask the name of the medicine and check to make sure that the pharmacy gave you the right medicine. Make sure that you understand how often you should take the medicine and how long you should take it.
  • Keeping a list of medicines.
    • Write down all of the medicines that you are taking, including the names of your medicines, how much you take, and when you take them. Make sure to include any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbs that you take.
    • List the medicines that you are allergic to or that have caused you problems in the past.
    • Take this list with you every time you see a health care provider.
  • Reading medicine labels and following the directions. Don't just rely on your memory - read the medication label every time. Be especially careful when giving medicines to children.
  • Asking questions. If you don't know the answers to these questions, ask your health care provider or pharmacist:
    • Why am I taking this medicine?
    • What are the common side effects?
    • What should I do if I have side effects?
    • When should I stop this medicine?
    • Can I take this medicine with the other medicines and supplements on my list?
    • Do I need to avoid certain foods or alcohol while taking this medicine?

Food and Drug Administration


[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.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.