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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis(J01.90, J01.00)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ABRSAcute Sinusitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis

J01Primary Range

Acute sinusitis

This range includes all acute sinusitis codes, which are primary for diagnosing acute bacterial rhinosinusitis.

Bacterial and viral infectious agents

These codes identify the specific infectious agents causing the sinusitis, which are necessary for complete coding.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J01.90Acute sinusitis, unspecifiedUse when the specific sinus affected is not documented.
  • Symptoms persisting beyond 10 days
  • Purulent nasal discharge
  • Facial pain or pressure
J01.00Acute maxillary sinusitis, unspecifiedUse when maxillary sinus is specifically documented.
  • Maxillary sinus tenderness
  • Purulent nasal discharge

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 rhinosinusitis

Essential facts and insights about Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis

The ICD-10 code for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis is J01.90, with additional codes for infectious agents.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis

Acute sinusitis, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms persist beyond 10 days with purulent discharge.

coding Criteria

  • Use when specific sinus is not documented.

Applicable To

  • Acute sinusitis NOS

Excludes

  • Chronic sinusitis (J32.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Symptoms persisting beyond 10 days
  • Purulent nasal discharge
  • Facial pain or pressure

Code-Specific Risks

  • Lack of specificity may lead to audit issues.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies duration and symptoms to differentiate from viral infections.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Streptococcus, group A, as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.0
Use when Streptococcus is identified as the causative agent.

Haemophilus influenzae as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B96.2
Use when Haemophilus influenzae is identified as the causative agent.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic sinusitis, unspecified

J32.9
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks.

Acute frontal sinusitis

J01.10
Frontal sinusitis involves frontal sinus tenderness and symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J01.90.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate representation of the disease etiology., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document culture or PCR results., Use additional codes for infectious agents.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on disease etiology.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include an additional code for the infectious agent (B95-B97).

Impact

Failure to document the duration of symptoms can lead to audits questioning the necessity of antibiotic treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all patient records include detailed symptom timelines.

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 Rhinosinusitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diagnosis of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in primary care

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Symptom duration
  • Purulent discharge
  • Facial pain
  • CRP levels
  • Culture results

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Patient reports 12 days of purulent nasal discharge and facial pain. **Objective**: CRP 50 mg/L, positive nasal swab for Streptococcus. **Assessment**: Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. **Plan**: Prescribe antibiotics.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has sinusitis, prescribe antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with 12 days of purulent nasal discharge and facial pain. CRP elevated, nasal swab positive for Streptococcus. Diagnosis: Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptom duration, test results, and identifies the bacterial cause, supporting the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis? Ask your questions below.

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