ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T36.96 - Underdosing of unspecified systemic antibiotic (original) (raw)

ICD List 2025-2026 Edition

1. Home
2. ICD-10-CM Codes
3. S00–T88
4. T36-T50
5. T36
6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code T36.96

Underdosing of unspecified systemic antibiotic

ICD-10-CM Code:

T36.96

ICD-10 Code for:

Underdosing of unspecified systemic antibiotic

Is Billable?

Not Valid for Submission

Code Navigator:

T36.96 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity from the list below for a diagnosis of underdosing of unspecified systemic antibiotic. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like T36.96 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Non-specific codes like T36.96 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for underdosing of unspecified systemic antibiotic:

Use T36.96XA for initial encounter

Use T36.96XD for subsequent encounter

Use T36.96XS for sequela

1. Code Information
2. Specific Coding
3. Coding Guidelines
4. Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
5. Table of Drugs and Chemicals
6. Patient Education
7. Other Codes Used Similar Conditions
8. Code History

• Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
  S00–T88
  • Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances
    T36-T50
    * Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of systemic antibiotics
    T36

Underdosing refers to taking less of a medication than is prescribed by a provider or a manufacturer's instruction. Codes for underdosing should never be assigned as principal or first-listed codes. If a patient has a relapse or exacerbation of the medical condition for which the drug is prescribed because of the reduction in dose, then the medical condition itself should be coded.

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of systemic antibiotics (T36). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

• A - initial encounter
• D - subsequent encounter
• S - sequela

The code is referenced in the Table of Drugs and Chemicals, this table contains a classification of drugs, industrial solvents, corrosive gases, noxious plants, pesticides, and other toxic agents.

According to ICD-10-CM coding guidelines it is advised to do not code directly from the Table of Drugs and Chemicals, instead always refer back to the Tabular List when doing the initial coding. Each substance in the table is assigned a code according to the poisoning classification and external causes of adverse effects. It is important to use as many codes as necessary to specify all reported drugs, medicinal or chemical substances. If the same diagnosis code describes the causative agent for more than one adverse reaction, poisoning, toxic effect or underdosing, utilize the code only once.

Filter table of drugs and chemicals:

Antibiotics

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Antibiotics can be taken in different ways:

• Orally (by mouth). This could be pills, capsules, or liquids.
• Topically. This might be a cream, spray, or ointment that you put on your skin. It could also be eye ointment, eye drops, or ear drops.
• Through an injection or intravenously (IV). This is usually for more serious infections.

What do antibiotics treat?

Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and E. coli.

You may not need to take antibiotics for some bacterial infections. For example, you might not need them for many sinus infections or some ear infections. Taking antibiotics when they're not needed won't help you, and they can have side effects. Your health care provider can decide the best treatment for you when you're sick. Don't ask your provider to prescribe an antibiotic for you.

Do antibiotics treat viral infections?

Antibiotics do not work on viral infections. For example, you shouldn't take antibiotics for:

• Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
• Most sore throats (except strep throat)
• Flu
• Most cases of bronchitis

What are the side effects of antibiotics?

The side effects of antibiotics range from minor to very severe. Some of the common side effects include:

• Rash
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Yeast infections

More serious side effects can include:

• C. diff infections, which cause diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and sometimes even death
• Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
• Antibiotic resistance infections

Call your health care provider if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.

Why is it important to take antibiotics only when they're needed?

You should only take antibiotics when they are needed because they can cause side effects and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance happens when the bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic. This means that the bacteria continue to grow.

How do I use antibiotics correctly?

When you take antibiotics, it is important that you take them responsibly:

• Always follow the directions carefully. Finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop taking them too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
• Don't save your antibiotics for later.
• Don't share your antibiotic with others.
• Don't take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

• FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026

• FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025

• FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024

• FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023

• FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022

• FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021

• FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020

• FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019

• FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018

• FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017

• FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.

• Previous Code: T36.95XS

• Parent Code: T36.9

• Next Code: T36.96XA