Z79899 - Long-term use of other medications not specifically listed elsewhere

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 a patient is currently taking medication(s) on a long-term basis for ongoing medical conditions. It's used when the specific medication doesn't have its own dedicated code in the medical coding system. This is purely a documentation code that helps healthcare providers track that you're on long-term drug therapy as part of your medical history. It doesn't represent a diagnosis or procedure, but rather provides important context about your current treatment plan.

Additional Information

This is a documentation code only and does not generate charges by itself. The actual costs would be associated with the medications being taken and any related monitoring or follow-up care required.

Category

Administrative/Documentation Code

Medical Specialty

General Medicine

Expected Costs

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

What's Required Before This

  • Patient must be on long-term medication therapy
  • Medication must not have a specific Z79 code already designated

What to Expect After

  • Regular monitoring as appropriate for the specific medication
  • Periodic review of medication effectiveness and side effects

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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