Primary Care Coding Alert

Question: What diagnosis code applies to multiple chemical sensitivities?

Wyoming Subscriber

Answer: Before selecting a diagnosis, verify the patient's presenting symptoms (such as rash or burn). Then use a diagnosis representing the patient's problem and the chemical related nature of that problem, such as 692.4 (Contact dermatitis and other eczema; due to other chemical products) or 995.2x (Other and unspecified adverse effect of drug, medicinal and biological substance). If your physician doesn't determine the specific chemical, you can report V87.2 (Contact with and [suspected] exposure to other potentially hazardous chemicals).

Definition: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms the patient attributes to exposure to low levels of chemicals. Suspected substances can include smoke, pesticides, plastics, synthetic fabrics, and more.