Long term (current) use of antimetabolite agent

This code indicates a patient's ongoing, long-term use of an antimetabolite medication. Antimetabolites are a class of drugs that interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis, commonly used in chemotherapy for cancer treatment or as immunosuppressants for autoimmune diseases. This code signifies that the patient is currently receiving or has been prescribed these agents for an extended period.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's current, continuous use of antimetabolite drugs, typically for conditions like cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumors) or autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease) requiring long-term immunosuppression. It should be used as a secondary diagnosis to provide context for the patient's overall medical management.

• Always code the underlying condition requiring antimetabolite use as the primary diagnosis.
• This code indicates current, long-term use, not a past history or acute, short-term administration.
• Do not use this code if the antimetabolite is being administered for a short, acute course.