2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T38.4
Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of oral contraceptives
- ICD-10-CM Code:
- T38.4
- ICD-10 Code for:
- Oral contraceptives
- Is Billable?
- Not Valid for Submission
- Code Navigator:
T38.4 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 oral contraceptives. 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 Oral contraceptives
Non-specific codes like T38.4 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 oral contraceptives:
T38.4X for Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of oral contraceptives - NON-BILLABLE CODE
T38.4X1 for Poisoning by oral contraceptives, accidental (unintentional) - NON-BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X1A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X1D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X1S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE
T38.4X2 for Poisoning by oral contraceptives, intentional self-harm - NON-BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X2A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X2D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X2S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE
T38.4X3 for Poisoning by oral contraceptives, assault - NON-BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X3A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X3D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X3S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE
T38.4X4 for Poisoning by oral contraceptives, undetermined - NON-BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X4A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X4D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X4S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE
T38.4X5 for Adverse effect of oral contraceptives - NON-BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X5A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X5D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X5S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE
T38.4X6 for Underdosing of oral contraceptives - NON-BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X6A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X6D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE
Use T38.4X6S for sequela - 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.
Inclusion Terms
Inclusion TermsThese terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of multiple- and single-ingredient oral contraceptive preparations
Patient Education
Birth Control
What is birth control?
Birth control, also known as contraception, is the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are many different types. Some are reversable, while others are permanent. Some types can also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
What are the different types of birth control?
There are several different types of birth control, and they work in different ways:
| Barrier methods | |
|---|---|
| Male condom | A thin sheath that covers the penis to collect sperm and prevent it from entering the woman's body. Condoms that are made of latex and polyurethane can help prevent STDs. |
| Female condom | A thin, flexible plastic pouch. Part of the condom is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. The uterus, or womb, is the place where the baby grows during pregnancy. Female condoms can also help prevent STDs. |
| Contraceptive sponge | A small sponge that you put into the vagina to cover the cervix (the opening of the uterus). The sponge also contains a spermicide to kill sperm. |
| Spermicide | A substance that can kill sperm cells. It comes in a foam, jelly, cream, suppository, or film. You put it into the vagina near the uterus. Spermicide can be used alone or with a diaphragm or cervical cap. |
| Diaphragm and cervical cap | Cups that are placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix. They may be used with spermicide. They come in different sizes, so it's important to see your health care provider to figure out which size works best for you. |
| Hormonal methods | |
| Oral contraceptives ("the pill") | Pills that a woman takes every day. They may contain only progestin or both progestin and estrogen. |
| Contraceptive patch | A patch that a woman puts on her skin each week. The patch releases hormones into the bloodstream. |
| Vaginal ring | A thin, flexible ring. The woman inserts the ring into the vagina, where it continually releases hormones for three weeks. She takes it out for the fourth week. After that week, she puts in a new ring. |
| Injectable birth control | An injection of a hormone that a woman gets once every three months. This is done in your provider's office. |
| Implant | A single, thin rod that a provider inserts under the skin of a women's upper arm. It is done in your provider's office. The implant can last for four years. |
| Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) | |
| Intrauterine device (IUD) | A small, T-shaped device that a provider inserts into the uterus. This is done in the provider's office. IUDs can last from 3 to 10 years. There are two types: hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. |
| Sterilization | |
| Tubal ligation | A surgery that prevents a woman from getting pregnant. It is permanent. |
| Vasectomy | A surgery that prevents a man from getting someone pregnant. It is permanent. |
What are some other forms of pregnancy prevention?
There are some types of pregnancy prevention that do not involve medicines, devices, or surgery:
| Other forms of pregnancy prevention | |
|---|---|
| Fertility awareness-based methods | They are also called natural rhythm methods. They involve tracking the woman's fertility cycle and avoiding sex or using barrier methods on the days when she is most likely to get pregnant. This method may have higher pregnancy rates than other types. |
| Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) | A form of natural birth control for breastfeeding mothers. It relies on the new mother feeding her baby only breastmilk for up to six months and having no periods or spotting during that time. |
| Withdrawal | During intercourse, the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. The goal is to keep sperm from entering the vagina . But the sperm can leak out before the penis is pulled out, so this method has higher pregnancy rates than other types. |
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is not a regular method of birth control. But it can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or if a condom breaks. There are two types:
- Copper IUD, which is a small, T-shaped device that a provider inserts into the within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
- Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), which are hormonal pills which the woman takes as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
What else should I know about birth control?
When deciding which birth control type is right for you, there are many different factors to consider:
- Do you want to have children someday? How soon?
- Do you have any health conditions?
- How often do you have sex?
- How many sex partners do you have?
- Do you also need protection from HIV and other STDs?
- How well does the birth control method work?
- Are there any side effects?
- Will you be able to use it correctly every time?
- How much does it cost?
Your provider can answer your questions about birth control to help you select the best type for you.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]
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.