Interesting find!

I think a lot of us would agree that smoking is not exactly a DISEASE but rather a lifestyle choice. However some would argue (as in alcoholism or drug addiction) that tobacco addiction is not different than a disease. As a non-smoker, my preference is to characterize it as a lifestyle choice.

That being said, tobacco use disorder has an ICD-9 code: 305.1, and I'm certain that would be their argument is that it's a defined disease entity even though it's not commonly thought of as a disease or "pre-existing condition."

Really though, what will they think of next to deny claims or even deny coverage? The insurance industry has hit yet another moral low.


Adam Lauer, DO (solo FP)
Twin City Family Medicine
Brewer, ME