Poisoning by unspecified systemic agent

This code signifies an adverse reaction or toxic effect resulting from an unknown or broadly categorized systemic substance. It indicates that a patient has been poisoned, but the specific agent responsible for the poisoning cannot be identified or is not documented with greater specificity.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly states a poisoning event occurred, but the causative agent is not specified beyond being a systemic substance. It is used when more specific ICD-9-CM codes for drug or chemical poisoning cannot be assigned due to insufficient information.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific substance (e.g., a particular drug, chemical, or biological agent) is documented.
• Always review the medical record for any clues that might lead to a more precise poisoning code.
• This code should be a last resort when all efforts to identify the specific systemic agent have failed.