Poisoning by parasympathomimetics (cholinergics)

This code signifies an adverse health effect resulting from exposure to or overdose of parasympathomimetic agents, also known as cholinergics. These substances stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as bradycardia, salivation, miosis, bronchospasm, and gastrointestinal distress. The poisoning can be accidental, intentional, or due to therapeutic misadventure.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient's signs and symptoms are due to poisoning by a cholinergic drug or substance. This includes exposure to organophosphates, carbamates, or certain medications like pilocarpine or neostigmine. Supporting documentation should detail the substance involved, the route of exposure, and the resulting clinical manifestations.

• Always code the specific substance responsible for the poisoning if known, using an E-code from the E850-E869 series (Accidental poisoning by drugs, medicinal substances, and biologicals) or E950-E952 (Suicide and self-inflicted poisoning by solid or liquid substances).
• Do not use this code for adverse effects of correctly administered therapeutic doses; instead, use codes from the 995.2x series (Adverse effect of drug, medicinal and biological substance).
• Sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when the poisoning is the primary reason for the encounter, followed by codes for specific manifestations if applicable.