Underdosing for PRN Medications
Published on
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Question:
Do we assign a code for underdosing of medication when the patient takes it on an “as needed” basis only?
Answer:
Per Coding Clinic, First Quarter, 2021, pages 12-13, PRN medications are not classified as long-term drug therapy; therefore, a code for underdosing of a PRN medication should not be assigned when it is not being taken. However, the ICD-10-CM Z code for Patient’s noncompliance with other medical treatment and regimen for other reason (Z91.198) can be assigned. This ICD-10-CM diagnosis code became effective October 1, 2023.
References:
Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM/PCS, First Quarter 2021: Pages 12-13
Article Author: Susie James, RHIT, CCS
Susie James, RHIT, CCS, is the Manager of Inpatient Coding Services at MMP, Inc. Susie has worked in the coding field for over 30 years and has worked as a coder, coding supervisor, and corporate coding manager for a large multi-facility system in Birmingham. She also worked for Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation (AQAF) as a coding reviewer/auditor before joining the team at Medical Management Plus, Inc. Susie has previously served as the President of the Alabama Association of Health Information Management (AAHIM) on the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Education/Coding Roundtable Chair. She is also a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and has previously served as the Co-chair for AHIMA's Leadership Team. She also served as a facilitator at AHIMA's 85th National Convention in Atlanta Georgia.
