Poisoning by other specified drugs and medicinal substances

This code signifies an adverse effect or overdose resulting from a drug or medicinal substance not classified elsewhere. It covers poisonings from agents like antacids, herbal remedies, or other specified but less common pharmaceutical products. The patient exhibits symptoms directly attributable to the toxic effects of the ingested substance.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates poisoning by a drug or medicinal substance that doesn't fit into more specific ICD-9 categories (e.g., opioids, sedatives, antibiotics). Common scenarios include adverse reactions to over-the-counter medications not typically considered "drugs," or toxic effects from herbal supplements. The medical record must specify the substance involved and the resulting clinical manifestations of poisoning.

• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis indicating the specific manifestation of the poisoning (e.g., coma, respiratory depression).
• Ensure the documentation specifies "poisoning" or "toxic effect" rather than an adverse effect from a correctly prescribed and administered drug (which would use E-codes for adverse effects).
• Carefully review the drug class; many common drug poisonings have more specific ICD-9 codes. This code is for "other specified" substances.