One can hypothesize that the purpose of being able to capture this data is to be able to epidemiologically recognize if a medication needs to be removed from our options, or at least to be forewarned that an adverse effect is possible.Īn example of this would be taking a beta blocker in the correct dosage prescribed and having syncope, or developing pancreatitis from valproic acid. The level of medication can be within the target range of therapeutic appropriateness, and yet the patient still can experience adverse effects. If a medication is prescribed correctly and is administered or taken correctly, but the patient has a side effect that was not intended, this is coded as “adverse effects.” The definition of an “adverse effect” is having an undesired harmful impact resulting from a medical intervention such as medication or surgery. The aim is to maximize efficacy and to minimize side effects. The provider makes an educated guess as to appropriate dosing based on multiple factors such as age, weight, gender, etc.

Most medications do not have a way to quantify whether dosing is sufficient or excessive.

As a clinician, I am always trying to wrap my head around a coding-clinical disconnect in the ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines regarding poisoning versus adverse effects.Īll medications have side effects a clinician considers the cost-benefit ratio of each and decides whether to prescribe a given drug for a given patient. Recently I reviewed a case that triggered an exposition.

Adverse reaction vs side effect