PopQuiz: nontherapeutic substances

[Ruth Sheets]

According to ICD-9-CM, which of the following is NOT a nontherapeutic substance?

A. Fish
B. Jamaican ginger
C. Furniture polish
D. Gelatin

See the answer in the next post.

 

[Ruth Sheets]

Okay, this one may be a little tricky unless you know that in the Table of Drugs and Chemicals, they indicate nontherapeutic use substances. In my ICD-9-CM manual, for example, they highlight nontherapeutic use substances in light grey in this table. In the above list, gelatin is the only one not highlighted, which means it has a therapeutic use. Fish, "Ginger, Jamaica", and furniture polish are all highlighted, telling us that they are nontherapeutic use substances.

As for me, personally, fish is a comfort food. I find it therapeutic. I also think ginger tea is very soothing. But I guess, when doing medical coding, we better go by the book! Of course, the Table of Drugs and Chemicals is all about poisoning, and not about enjoying food!