Botulism food poisoning

This code signifies a severe form of foodborne illness caused by the ingestion of toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, typically found in improperly preserved foods. The toxins attack the nervous system, leading to flaccid paralysis.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of botulism resulting from contaminated food consumption. This diagnosis is often supported by a history of ingesting suspect food, coupled with characteristic neurological symptoms such as dysphagia, blurred vision, and progressive muscle weakness.

• Ensure documentation specifies food as the source of botulism to differentiate from other forms.
• Do not code with A48.51 (infant botulism) or A48.52 (wound botulism) due to Excludes1 guidelines.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.