2025 ICD-10-CM code T49

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of topical agents primarily affecting skin and mucous membrane and by ophthalmological, otorhinolaryngological and dental drugs. This includes poisoning by, adverse effect of, and underdosing of topically used glucocorticoids.

Use secondary codes from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity) to indicate the cause of injury or poisoning if applicable. Use an additional code for any retained foreign body (Z18.-) if appropriate. If the patient is underdosing medication deliberately, Z91.13- can be used as an additional code. Code first any adverse effect (T88.7). The drug causing the adverse effect is coded with T36-T50 and a fifth/sixth character 5.

Medical necessity must be established by documenting the signs, symptoms, and clinical findings that support the diagnosis of poisoning, adverse effect, or underdosing of topical agents primarily affecting skin and mucous membrane and by ophthalmological, otorhinorlaryngological and dental drugs. This documentation should include the patient's medical history and physical examination findings.

The clinician is responsible for documenting the specific topical agent involved, the route of exposure, the clinical manifestations of the poisoning or adverse effect, and any treatment provided.

In simple words: This code represents poisoning, adverse effects, or underdosing related to medications applied to the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and dental drugs.

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of topical agents primarily affecting skin and mucous membrane and by ophthalmological, otorhinorlaryngological and dental drugs. Includes: poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of glucocorticoids, topically used

Example 1: A patient experiences an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) after applying a topical antibiotic cream., A child ingests a tube of corticosteroid cream, leading to systemic absorption and adverse effects., A patient unintentionally uses excessive amounts of eye drops containing a beta-blocker and showing signs of bradycardia.

Documentation should include the specific topical agent involved, the route of exposure (e.g., ingestion, topical application), the clinical manifestations of the poisoning or adverse effect, and any treatment provided.If an allergic reaction occurs, the specific type of reaction and the treatment provided should also be documented.

** For underdosing during medical and surgical care, use Y63.6 or Y63.8-Y63.9. For underdosing of medication regimen, use Z91.12-, Z91.13-. Excludes1: toxic reaction to local anesthesia in pregnancy (O29.3-), abuse and dependence of psychoactive substances (F10-F19), abuse of non-dependence-producing substances (F55.-), immunodeficiency due to drugs (D84.821), drug reaction and poisoning affecting newborn (P00-P96), pathological drug intoxication (inebriation) (F10-F19).

  • Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Dentistry, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Toxicology
  • Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Home, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Other Place of Service
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