Z792 - Currently taking antibiotics for an extended period of time

International Classification of Diseases

Last updated: 10/3/2025

What is a ICD-10 Code?

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.

Detailed Description

This code indicates that you are currently taking antibiotic medications for a long period of time (typically 30 days or more). This is not a diagnosis of an illness, but rather a way for healthcare providers to document that you're on long-term antibiotic treatment. This might be necessary for various reasons, such as treating a chronic infection, preventing infections in certain medical conditions, or as part of ongoing treatment for specific health issues. Your healthcare team uses this code to keep track of your medication history and ensure proper coordination of your care.

Additional Information

This is a status code, not a diagnosis. The underlying condition requiring long-term antibiotics should be documented separately. Patients should take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and complete the full course even if feeling better.

Category

Medication Management

Medical Specialty

General Medicine/Home Health

Expected Costs

Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Prescription for long-term antibiotic therapy
  • Medical condition requiring extended antibiotic treatment
  • Healthcare provider assessment and monitoring

What to Expect After

  • Regular monitoring by healthcare provider
  • Periodic review of antibiotic effectiveness
  • Monitoring for side effects or complications
  • Possible laboratory tests to check treatment progress
  • Assessment for antibiotic resistance

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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