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BETA v.3.0

2025 ICD-10-CM code Z79.52

Long term (current) use of systemic steroids.

A corresponding procedure code must accompany a Z code if a procedure is performed.Additionally, code any follow-up examination (Z08-Z09).

Medical necessity for long-term systemic steroid use must be clearly documented. This includes the diagnosis for which the steroids are prescribed, evidence of ongoing disease activity, and a rationale for why alternative treatments are not appropriate or effective.It's important to weigh the benefits of steroid treatment against the potential risks.

The provider is responsible for documenting the medical necessity of the long-term steroid use, including the underlying condition being treated and the patient's response to therapy.

In simple words: This code indicates that the patient is currently taking steroid medications by mouth or injection, like prednisone or dexamethasone, for a long-term health problem.

This code indicates the patient is currently taking systemic steroids for a long-term condition.It excludes drug abuse and dependence (F11-F19) and drug use complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (O99.32-).It is used for prophylactic purposes as well as therapeutic drug level monitoring (Z51.81).

Example 1: A patient with rheumatoid arthritis requires ongoing prednisone to manage inflammation., A patient with lupus is prescribed long-term systemic corticosteroids to control disease activity., A patient with an organ transplant takes systemic steroids to prevent organ rejection.

Documentation should include the specific type of systemic steroid being used, the dosage, the duration of therapy, the underlying condition being treated, and the patient's response to the medication. It's important to clearly distinguish between long-term use and short-term use of steroids.

** This code is exempt from the Present on Admission (POA) reporting requirement.

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