Pathological drug intoxication

This code represents an adverse physiological reaction to a drug, poison, or other chemical substance, where the substance itself is the direct cause of the toxic effect. This includes both accidental and intentional exposures leading to a harmful systemic response. It signifies a direct toxic effect of the substance on the body's systems.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient's signs and symptoms are due to the toxic effects of a drug or chemical, rather than an allergic reaction or side effect. This applies to cases of overdose, accidental poisoning, or adverse reactions to therapeutic drugs where toxicity is the primary mechanism. Supporting documentation should specify the substance and the resulting toxic manifestations.

• Always code the specific substance responsible for the intoxication using an E-code (E850-E869, E950.0-E950.5, E962.0, E980.0-E980.5) in addition to this code.
• Distinguish from adverse effects of therapeutic drugs (995.2x) or allergic reactions (995.3-995.4), which are not due to direct toxicity.
• Sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when the intoxication is the primary reason for the encounter.