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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code T43.61
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T43.61

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of caffeine

ICD-10-CM Code:
T43.61
ICD-10 Code for:
Poisoning by, adverse effect of and 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)

T43.61 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 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 Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of caffeine

Non-specific codes like T43.61 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 poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of caffeine:

  • T43.611 for Poisoning by caffeine, accidental (unintentional) - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.611A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.611D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.611S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T43.612 for Poisoning by caffeine, intentional self-harm - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.612A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.612D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.612S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T43.613 for Poisoning by caffeine, assault - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.613A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.613D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.613S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T43.614 for Poisoning by caffeine, undetermined - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.614A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.614D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.614S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T43.615 for Adverse effect of caffeine - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.615A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.615D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T43.615S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T43.616 for Underdosing of caffeine - NON-BILLABLE CODE

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

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

  • Use T43.616S 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 psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified (T43). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

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]

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.