2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T48.4X3APoisoning by expectorants, assault, initial encounter
T48.4X3A is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for poisoning by expectorants, assault, 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) and groups to MS-DRG 917 through 918. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under External cause codes: intent of injury, assault; External cause codes: poisoning by drug; and Poisoning by drugs, initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
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 agents primarily acting on smooth and skeletal muscles and the respiratory system (T48). 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
Acetylcysteine
the n-acetyl derivative of cysteine. it is used as a mucolytic agent to reduce the viscosity of mucous secretions. it has also been shown to have antiviral effects in patients with hiv due to inhibition of viral stimulation by reactive oxygen intermediates.Ambroxol
a metabolite of bromhexine that stimulates mucociliary action and clears the air passages in the respiratory tract. it is usually administered as the hydrochloride.Bromhexine
a mucolytic agent used in the treatment of respiratory disorders associated with viscid or excessive mucus. (from martindale, the extra pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p744)Glycyrrhizic Acid
a widely used anti-inflammatory agent isolated from the licorice root. it is metabolized to glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and other enzymes involved in the metabolism of corticosteroids. therefore, glycyrrhizic acid, which is the main and sweet component of licorice, has been investigated for its ability to cause hypermineralocorticoidism with sodium retention and potassium loss, edema, increased blood pressure, as well as depression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.Guaifenesin
an expectorant that also has some muscle relaxing action. it is used in many cough preparations.
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
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert T48.4X3A to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T48.4X3AOverview
Is T48.4X3A (Poisoning by expectorants, assault) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report poisoning by expectorants, assault, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in T48.4X3A mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for poisoning by expectorants, assault, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does T48.4X3A group to?
When poisoning by expectorants, assault, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 917, 918, with relative weights from 0.8571 to 1.5684 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of T48.4X3A?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, poisoning by expectorants, assault, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 975.5 (poisoning-expectorants) and E962.0 (assault-pois w medic agt). 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.
