Food poisoning, unspecified

This code signifies a diagnosis of food poisoning where the specific causative agent (e.g., bacterial, viral, chemical) is not identified or documented. It represents an acute gastrointestinal illness resulting from the ingestion of contaminated food or water, presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Apply this code when the medical record clearly indicates food poisoning, but the physician's documentation lacks specificity regarding the pathogen or toxin responsible. This is appropriate for cases where laboratory testing for specific agents was not performed, or results are pending and the patient is discharged with a presumptive diagnosis.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific foodborne illness (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) is documented.
• Review documentation for any mention of specific bacteria, viruses, or toxins that would allow for a more precise code selection.
• Sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when food poisoning is the primary reason for the encounter.