2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T43.616

Underdosing of caffeine

ICD-10-CM Code:
T43.616
ICD-10 Code for:
Underdosing of caffeine
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 psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified
        (T43)

T43.616 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of underdosing of caffeine. 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 Underdosing of caffeine

Non-specific codes like T43.616 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 underdosing of caffeine:

  • Use T43.616A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.616D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.616S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Caffeine

    a methylxanthine naturally occurring in some beverages and also used as a pharmacological agent. caffeine's most notable pharmacological effect is as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing alertness and producing agitation. it also relaxes smooth muscle, stimulates cardiac muscle, stimulates diuresis, and appears to be useful in the treatment of some types of headache. several cellular actions of caffeine have been observed, but it is not entirely clear how each contributes to its pharmacological profile. among the most important are inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, antagonism of adenosine receptors, and modulation of intracellular calcium handling.
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2

    a cytochrome p450 enzyme subtype that has specificity for relatively planar heteroaromatic small molecules, such as caffeine and acetaminophen.

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 psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified (T43). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Table of Drugs and Chemicals

The 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
CaffeineT43.611T43.612T43.613T43.614T43.615T43.616

Patient Education


Caffeine

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a bitter substance that occurs naturally in more than 60 plants including:

  • Coffee beans
  • Tea leaves
  • Kola nuts, which are used to flavor soft drink colas
  • Cacao pods, which are used to make chocolate products

There is also synthetic (man-made) caffeine, which is added to some medicines, foods, and drinks. For example, some pain relievers, cold medicines, and over-the-counter medicines for alertness contain synthetic caffeine. So do energy drinks and "energy-boosting" gums and snacks.

Most people consume caffeine from drinks. The amount of caffeine in different drinks can vary a lot, but it is generally:

  • An 8-ounce cup of coffee: 95-200 mg
  • A 12-ounce can of cola: 35-45 mg
  • An 8-ounce energy drink: 70-100 mg
  • An 8-ounce cup of tea: 14-60 mg

What are caffeine's effects on the body?

Caffeine has many effects on your body's metabolism. It:

  • Stimulates your central nervous system, which can make you feel more awake and give you a boost of energy
  • Is a diuretic, meaning that it helps your body get rid of extra salt and water by urinating more
  • Increases the release of acid in your stomach, sometimes leading to an upset stomach or heartburn
  • May interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body
  • Increases your blood pressure

Within one hour of eating or drinking caffeine, it reaches its peak level in your blood. You may continue to feel the effects of caffeine for four to six hours.

What are the side effects from too much caffeine?

For most people, it is not harmful to consume up to 400mg of caffeine a day. If you do eat or drink too much caffeine, it can cause health problems, such as:

  • Restlessness and shakiness
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fast heart rate
  • Dehydration
  • Anxiety
  • Dependency, so you need to take more of it to get the same results

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others.

What are energy drinks, and why can they be a problem?

Energy drinks are beverages that have added caffeine. The amount of caffeine in energy drinks can vary widely, and sometimes the labels on the drinks do not give you the actual amount of caffeine in them. Energy drinks may also contain sugars, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

Companies that make energy drinks claim that the drinks can increase alertness and improve physical and mental performance. This has helped make the drinks popular with American teens and young adults. There's limited data showing that energy drinks might temporarily improve alertness and physical endurance. There is not enough evidence to show that they enhance strength or power. But what we do know is that energy drinks can be dangerous because they have large amounts of caffeine. And since they have lots of sugar, they can contribute to weight gain and worsen diabetes.

Sometimes young people mix their energy drinks with alcohol. It is dangerous to combine alcohol and caffeine. Caffeine can interfere with your ability to recognize how drunk you are, which can lead you to drink more. This also makes you more likely to make bad decisions.

Who should avoid or limit caffeine?

You should check with your health care provider about whether you should limit or avoid caffeine if you:

  • Are pregnant, since caffeine passes through the placenta to your baby.
  • Are breastfeeding, since a small amount of caffeine that you consume is passed along to your baby.
  • Have sleep disorders, including insomnia.
  • Have migraines or other chronic headaches.
  • Have anxiety.
  • Have GERD or ulcers.
  • Have arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat).
  • Have high blood pressure.
  • Take certain medicines or supplements, including stimulants, certain antibiotics, asthma medicines, and heart medicines. Check with your health care provider about whether there might be interactions between caffeine and any medicines and supplements that you take.
  • Are a child or teen. Neither should have as much caffeine as adults. Children can be especially sensitive to the effects of caffeine.

What is caffeine withdrawal?

If you have been consuming caffeine on a regular basis and then suddenly stop, you may have caffeine withdrawal. Symptoms can include:

  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Trouble concentrating

These symptoms usually go away after a couple of days.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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.