Adverse effect of cocaine, initial encounter

This code signifies an unintended and undesirable reaction to cocaine when the drug is used for non-medical purposes, or when prescribed but causes an adverse effect. It represents the initial phase of treatment for such a reaction, indicating the patient is presenting for the first time for this specific adverse event.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms directly attributable to an adverse reaction to cocaine, such as cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, or severe anxiety, and it is their first encounter for this particular episode of care. This is appropriate for emergency department visits or initial outpatient consultations for the adverse effect.

• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the adverse effect is the reason for the encounter.
• Do not use this code for poisoning, overdose, or withdrawal symptoms; specific codes exist for those conditions.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the patient's symptoms to an adverse reaction to cocaine and confirms it's the initial presentation.