Emergency department diagnoses of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) have increased as healthcare providers gain a more accurate way to identify and track the condition. CHS can cause recurring nausea, severe vomiting and abdominal pain and is most commonly associated with frequent cannabis use.
According to a recent CDC report, emergency department diagnoses increased after a dedicated ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome was introduced last fall. Researchers noted that the condition may have been underrecognized in the past because providers had to use separate codes for cannabis use and nausea or vomiting.
The largest increases were seen among teens and young adults, women and certain racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the need for greater awareness and further research into the condition and the effects of newer, high-potency cannabis products.
For healthcare organizations, the findings also demonstrate how more specific diagnosis coding can improve the ability to identify health trends and better understand patient populations.
Resource: Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: US sees jump in nausea cases