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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code T48.20

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T48.20

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of unspecified drugs acting on muscles

ICD-10-CM Code:
T48.20
ICD-10 Code for:
Unsp drugs acting on muscles
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 agents primarily acting on smooth and skeletal muscles and the respiratory system
        (T48)

T48.20 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 unspecified drugs acting on muscles. 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.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like T48.20 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Unsp drugs acting on muscles

Non-specific codes like T48.20 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 unsp drugs acting on muscles:

  • T48.201 for Poisoning by unspecified drugs acting on muscles, accidental (unintentional) - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.201A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.201D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.201S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T48.202 for Poisoning by unspecified drugs acting on muscles, intentional self-harm - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.202A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.202D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.202S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T48.203 for Poisoning by unspecified drugs acting on muscles, assault - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.203A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.203D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.203S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T48.204 for Poisoning by unspecified drugs acting on muscles, undetermined - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.204A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.204D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.204S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T48.205 for Adverse effect of unspecified drugs acting on muscles - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.205A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.205D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.205S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T48.206 for Underdosing of unspecified drugs acting on muscles - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.206A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.206D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T48.206S 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 agents primarily acting on smooth and skeletal muscles and the respiratory system (T48). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Patient Education


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.