2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T50.5X6

Specific Coding Applicable to Underdosing of appetite depressants

Non-specific codes like T50.5X6 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 underdosing of appetite depressants:

Clinical Information

• Aminorex

  an amphetamine-like anorectic agent. it may cause pulmonary hypertension.

• Benzphetamine

  a sympathomimetic agent with properties similar to dextroamphetamine. it is used in the treatment of obesity. (from martindale, the extra pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1222)

• Chlorphentermine

  a sympathomimetic agent that was formerly used as an anorectic. it has properties similar to those of dextroamphetamine. it has been implicated in lipid storage disorders and pulmonary hypertension. (from martindale, the extra pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1223)

• Dexfenfluramine

  the s-isomer of fenfluramine. it is a serotonin agonist and is used as an anorectic. unlike fenfluramine, it does not possess any catecholamine agonist activity.

• Diethylpropion

  a appetite depressant considered to produce less central nervous system disturbance than most drugs in this therapeutic category. it is also considered to be among the safest for patients with hypertension. (from ama drug evaluations annual, 1994, p2290)

• Fenfluramine

  a centrally active drug that apparently both blocks serotonin uptake and provokes transport-mediated serotonin release.

• Mazindol

  tricyclic anorexigenic agent unrelated to and less toxic than amphetamine, but with some similar side effects. it inhibits uptake of catecholamines and blocks the binding of cocaine to the dopamine uptake transporter.

• Phenmetrazine

  a sympathomimetic drug used primarily as an appetite depressant. its actions and mechanisms are similar to dextroamphetamine.

• Phentermine

  a central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic with actions and uses similar to those of dextroamphetamine. it has been used most frequently in the treatment of obesity.

Coding Guidelines

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 diuretics and other and unspecified drugs, medicaments and biological substances (T50). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

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

Table of Drugs and Chemicals

The code is referenced in the Table of Drugs and Chemicals, this table contains a classification of drugs, industrial solvents, corrosive gases, noxious plants, pesticides, and other toxic agents.

According to ICD-10-CM coding guidelines it is advised to do not code directly from the Table of Drugs and Chemicals, instead always refer back to the Tabular List when doing the initial coding. Each substance in the table is assigned a code according to the poisoning classification and external causes of adverse effects. It is important to use as many codes as necessary to specify all reported drugs, medicinal or chemical substances. If the same diagnosis code describes the causative agent for more than one adverse reaction, poisoning, toxic effect or underdosing, utilize the code only once.

Patient Education

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:

• Knowing your medicines. When you get a prescription, ask the name of the medicine and check to make sure that the pharmacy gave you the right medicine. Make sure that you understand how often you should take the medicine and how long you should take it.
• Keeping a list of medicines.
• Write down all of the medicines that you are taking, including the names of your medicines, how much you take, and when you take them. Make sure to include any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbs that you take.
• List the medicines that you are allergic to or that have caused you problems in the past.
• Take this list with you every time you see a health care provider.
• Reading medicine labels and following the directions. Don't just rely on your memory - read the medication label every time. Be especially careful when giving medicines to children.
• Asking questions. If you don't know the answers to these questions, ask your health care provider or pharmacist:
• Why am I taking this medicine?
• What are the common side effects?
• What should I do if I have side effects?
• When should I stop this medicine?
• Can I take this medicine with the other medicines and supplements on my list?
• Do I need to avoid certain foods or alcohol while taking this medicine?

Food and Drug Administration

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.