2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T38.0X2SPoisoning by glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, intentional self-harm, sequela
T38.0X2S is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for poisoning by glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, intentional self-harm, sequela. The 7th character S marks it as a sequela code, which reports a problem that remains after the original condition has resolved. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 922 through 923. The code is exempt from POA reporting. Coders also document this condition as dexamethasone overdose. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Mental and substance use disorders; sequela; and Poisoning/toxic effect/adverse effects/underdosing, sequela.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Present on Admission (POA)Billing
T38.0X2S is exempt from POA reporting on inpatient claims to general acute care hospitals. Review other POA exempt codes.
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Dexamethasone overdose
- Intentional dexamethasone overdose
- Intentional fluorinated corticosteroid poisoning
- Intentional poisoning caused by corticosteroid and/or corticosteroid derivative
- Intentional prednisone overdose
- Poisoning by fluorinated corticosteroid
- Prednisone overdose
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
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 applicable episode of care:
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Clinical InformationClinical
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.
Table of Drugs and ChemicalsClinical
Substances in the Table of Drugs and Chemicals that reference this code family. Always confirm in the Tabular List before coding.
Patient EducationClinical
Poisoning
A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. You might swallow it, inhale it, inject it, or absorb it through your skin. Any substance can be poisonous if too much is taken. Poisons can include:
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
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Convert T38.0X2S to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T38.0X2SOverview
Is T38.0X2S a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report poisoning by glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, intentional self-harm, sequela on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character S in T38.0X2S mean?
The final character S makes this a sequela code: it reports a lingering problem that remains after the poisoning by glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, intentional self-harm itself has resolved, not the original event.
What MS-DRG does T38.0X2S group to?
When poisoning by glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, intentional self-harm, sequela is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 922, 923, with relative weights from 1.0177 to 1.7494 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Is T38.0X2S exempt from POA reporting?
Yes. CMS lists this code among those exempt from present on admission reporting, so hospitals do not assign a POA indicator for poisoning by glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, intentional self-harm, sequela on inpatient claims.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of T38.0X2S?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, poisoning by glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, intentional self-harm, sequela converts to ICD-9-CM 909.0 (late eff drug poisoning) and E959 (late eff of self-injury). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
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.
