Polyneuropathy due to drugs

This code signifies a generalized disorder affecting multiple peripheral nerves, resulting from the toxic effects of pharmaceutical agents. It encompasses nerve damage leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain, distributed symmetrically in the extremities.

Assign this code when documentation clearly links a patient's polyneuropathy to a prescribed or illicit drug. This typically involves a history of drug exposure preceding the onset of neurological symptoms, and often, the exclusion of other causes of polyneuropathy.

• Always identify the specific drug causing the polyneuropathy, if known, and code it as an adverse effect (E-code) or poisoning, as appropriate, in addition to this code.
• Distinguish from polyneuropathy due to other systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, alcoholism), which have separate codes.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "polyneuropathy" and not a mononeuropathy or plexopathy, as these are distinct conditions.