ICD-10 Coding for Acute Bacterial Bronchitis(J20.1, J20.2, J20.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Bacterial Bronchitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Bacterial Bronchitis
J20-J22Primary Range
Other acute lower respiratory infections
This range includes codes for acute bronchitis and other lower respiratory infections, which are relevant for coding acute bacterial bronchitis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J20.1 | Acute bronchitis due to Hemophilus influenzae | Use when Hemophilus influenzae is confirmed as the causative organism. |
|
| J20.2 | Acute bronchitis due to Streptococcus | Use when Streptococcus is confirmed as the causative organism. |
|
| J20.8 | Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms | Use when a specific organism other than Hemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus is identified. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute bacterial bronchitis
Essential facts and insights about Acute Bacterial Bronchitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute bacterial bronchitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed Hemophilus influenzae infection through laboratory tests.
Applicable To
- Acute bronchitis due to Hemophilus influenzae
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Sputum culture positive for Hemophilus influenzae
- PCR-confirmed Hemophilus influenzae infection
Code-Specific Risks
- Misidentification of the organism can lead to incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the organism to avoid using unspecified codes.
J20.2 - Acute bronchitis due to Streptococcus
Use when Streptococcus is confirmed as the causative organism.
Applicable To
- Acute bronchitis due to Streptococcus
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Gram stain shows gram-positive cocci in chains
- Rapid strep antigen test positive
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the organism to avoid using unspecified codes.
J20.8 - Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms
Use when a specific organism other than Hemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus is identified.
Applicable To
- Acute bronchitis due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Acute bronchitis due to Staphylococcus
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Atypical pathogen identified via serology
- Culture confirms Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the organism to avoid using unspecified codes.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Bacterial Bronchitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J20.1.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on the importance of specifying organisms., Implement checklists for documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Query the provider to specify the bacterial pathogen identified.
Impact
Using J20.9 when the organism is documented can lead to audit issues.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes the causative organism.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Bacterial Bronchitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Bacterial Bronchitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Bacterial Bronchitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Acute Bacterial Bronchitis
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory test results
- Radiology findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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