For one thing, people are attending parties that feature many different food items and special dishes, and many visitors may not communicate their food allergies to their hosts. This physician also noted that patients with allergies should have an action plan for any severe allergic reactions. He said that if a patient experiences such a reaction, they should:
- Try an over-the-counter remedy such as Benadryl as the initial course of treatment.
- If the reaction continues, use the EpiPen (or something similar) and call 9-1-1.
- An emergency department visit is necessary following the use of the EpiPen if the condition does not improve.
It is important that the documentation is specific to the circumstances as well as the cause to support accurate code assignment.
The allergy status is found in the ICD-10-CM Index by looking under history, personal, allergy. The code description does not include personal history, which makes this condition difficult to locate in the Index. The specificity of the known allergy is found under this entry. Allergies can be specified to classes of medications and high-frequency food allergies. Some code examples of allergy status are:
Contrast media | Z91.041 (Radiographic dye allergy status) |
Penicillin | Z88.0 (Allergy status to penicillin) |
Latex | Z91.040 (Latex allergy status) |
Eggs | Z91.012 (Allergy to eggs) |
Peanuts | Z91.010 (Allergy to peanuts) |
Allergic reaction is found under the main term of “allergy” in the ICD-10-CM Index. The next piece of information listed is the substance or food that instigated the reaction. Additional instructions may be found in the Index. For example:
Allergic reaction to bee sting: See Toxicity, Venom, Arthropod, Bee
Drug, correctly used: See Table of Drugs and Chemicals, Specific Drug, Adverse Reaction
Drug, incorrectly used: See Table of Drugs and Chemicals, Specific Drug, Accidental Poisoning
The manifestation of the allergic reaction is coded first (e.g. hives or gastrointestinal upset). Use T78.1 when the manifestation is unknown or undocumented.
This time of year presents a wonderful opportunity to appreciate family and friends through time spent together and the special foods that are prepared. Be cognizant of any food allergies of your guests in order to prevent allergic reactions.
And have a wonderful holiday season!