Underdosing of anthelminthics, initial encounter

This code signifies that a patient has received an insufficient amount of medication intended to treat parasitic worm infections (anthelminthics). This underdosing has resulted in a negative clinical outcome or is the reason for the current encounter.

Apply this code when a patient presents with persistent or worsening parasitic infection symptoms due to not taking the prescribed anthelminthic dosage, or when a healthcare provider identifies that the administered dose was suboptimal. This is for the initial phase of treatment for the underdosing event.

• Always assign an additional code for the specific parasitic infection being treated.
• Consider if an external cause code (e.g., noncompliance, accidental underdosing) is also appropriate.
• Ensure the "A" seventh character for "initial encounter" is correct for the first time the underdosing is addressed.