Adverse effect of chloramphenicol group, initial encounter

This code signifies an undesirable or harmful reaction experienced by a patient due to the therapeutic use of a drug belonging to the chloramphenicol class. These adverse effects are not due to poisoning or overdose, but rather a side effect occurring at appropriate dosages. This can include a range of reactions from mild to severe, such as bone marrow suppression or "gray baby syndrome."

Apply this code when documenting a patient's initial presentation for an adverse reaction to chloramphenicol or its derivatives, prescribed and administered correctly. This is appropriate for situations where the patient is experiencing symptoms directly attributable to the medication's side effects. It should be used for the first time a patient is seen for this specific adverse event.

• Always sequence this code after the code(s) for the specific manifestation(s) of the adverse effect.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the reaction is an adverse effect of a chloramphenicol-group drug, not poisoning or underdosing.
• Verify the encounter is the initial encounter for this specific adverse event. Subsequent encounters would use a different seventh character.