2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T38.0X6AUnderdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, initial encounter
T38.0X6A is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, initial encounter. The 7th character A marks it as an initial encounter code, used while the patient is receiving active treatment. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). The code is not accepted as a principal diagnosis by the Medicare Code Editor. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Underdosing of drugs and medicaments, initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Code EditsBilling
Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for T38.0X6A.
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
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 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
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:
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert T38.0X6A to ICD-9-CMHistory
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T38.0X6AOverview
Is T38.0X6A (Underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in T38.0X6A mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
Can T38.0X6A be a principal diagnosis?
No. The Medicare Code Editor rejects this code as a principal diagnosis because underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, initial encounter describes a circumstance that influences health status rather than a current illness. Report it as a secondary diagnosis.
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.
