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2025 ICD-10-CM code Z79.51

Long-term (current) use of inhaled steroids.

Always code the underlying condition requiring the long-term use of inhaled steroids.Z79.51 should be used in addition to, and not in place of, the primary diagnosis code(s).

Not applicable to ICD-10-CM codes.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a chronic condition requiring long-term control with inhaled corticosteroids.This must be supported by clinical findings and documentation, including the patient's history, physical examination, and response to treatment.The choice of inhaled steroid and the regimen should be supported by established clinical guidelines.

The clinical responsibility is to document the reason for using inhaled steroids, the type of inhaled steroid used, the frequency and dosage, and the duration of use. The physician or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for ordering and overseeing the use of the medication and should document the patient's response to treatment.

IMPORTANT:Related codes include Z79.52 (long-term use of systemic steroids) and Z79.899 (other long-term drug therapy).The choice of code depends on the specific type and route of administration of the steroid medication.

In simple words: This code means the patient is taking inhaled steroid medication regularly for a long time.Doctors use this code to show that the patient's long-term use of this medicine is a part of their medical care.

This ICD-10-CM code signifies the ongoing use of inhaled corticosteroids for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes.It's used when a patient is receiving long-term treatment with inhaled steroids, and this treatment is a significant factor influencing their health status.The code should be used in conjunction with other codes that describe the underlying condition for which the steroids are being administered, such as asthma or COPD.It does not imply drug abuse or dependence.

Example 1: A 55-year-old patient with a history of severe asthma is prescribed daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for long-term control. The physician documents this in the patient's record, noting the medication's name, dosage, and frequency. Z79.51 is used to reflect the patient's long-term use of ICS as a factor influencing their health status., A 70-year-old patient with COPD requiring ongoing management with inhaled steroids for symptom control has been using these medications consistently for several years.The physician documents the diagnosis of COPD, the ongoing inhaled steroid therapy, and the patient's response to treatment. Z79.51 is appropriately assigned., A 30-year-old patient with a history of allergic rhinitis and asthma is currently taking inhaled corticosteroids to prevent asthma exacerbations. The physician notes in the record the diagnosis of asthma and allergic rhinitis, along with the patient's consistent use of inhaled corticosteroids. Z79.51 is appropriately used to describe the ongoing medication use.

Comprehensive documentation is necessary to support the use of Z79.51.This includes the patient's diagnosis requiring long-term steroid use, the specific medication, dosage, frequency of administration, and the duration of the treatment.Progress notes demonstrating the ongoing need for the treatment should be documented.

** This code should be used only when the long-term use of inhaled steroids is a significant factor in the patient's health status. It should not be used for short-term or intermittent use of inhaled steroids.

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