Underdosing of glucocorticoids and synthetic analogues, init

This code signifies that a patient has experienced an adverse effect due to taking less than the prescribed or recommended dose of a glucocorticoid or synthetic analogue. This underdosing has led to a clinical manifestation or worsening of the underlying condition for which the medication was prescribed.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates that a patient's current medical issue is a direct result of not taking enough of their corticosteroid medication, and this is the initial presentation or encounter for this specific underdosing event. Examples include adrenal insufficiency symptoms due to insufficient prednisone or a flare-up of an autoimmune condition because the patient reduced their prescribed dose.

• Always sequence this code after the code(s) for the specific condition(s) being treated or the manifestation(s) of the underdosing.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "underdosing" and not simply non-compliance without adverse effects.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this particular underdosing event. Subsequent encounters would use the appropriate seventh character.