ICD-10 Coding for Acute Bronchitis(J20.9, J20.5)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Bronchitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Bronchitis
J20-J22Primary Range
Acute Bronchitis and Other Acute Lower Respiratory Infections
This range includes codes for acute bronchitis and related infections, which are primary for coding acute 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| J20.9 | Acute bronchitis, unspecified | Use when acute bronchitis is diagnosed without identification of a specific pathogen. |
|
| J20.5 | Acute bronchitis due to respiratory syncytial virus | Use when RSV is confirmed as the causative agent of acute bronchitis. |
|
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 bronchitis
Essential facts and insights about Acute Bronchitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute bronchitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Diagnosis of acute bronchitis without specific pathogen identification
Applicable To
- Acute bronchitis NOS
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of cough, sputum production, and rales
- No specific pathogen identified
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of under-coding if pathogen is identified but not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' to avoid confusion with chronic bronchitis.
J20.5 - Acute bronchitis due to respiratory syncytial virus
Use when RSV is confirmed as the causative agent of acute bronchitis.
Applicable To
- Acute bronchitis due to RSV
Excludes
- Bronchiolitis due to RSV (J21.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive RSV PCR or nasal swab
- Acute onset of symptoms
Coding Notes
Ensure lab confirmation of RSV to support this code.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Cough
R05Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Bronchitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J20.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for specific pathogen-related codes
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure lab results are reviewed and documented, Include pathogen details in the diagnosis
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Use J20.9 for acute cases when no specific pathogen is identified.
Impact
Audits may focus on whether pathogens are documented when identified.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all lab results are documented and linked to the diagnosis.
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 Bronchitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Bronchitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Bronchitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute bronchitis diagnosis in primary care
Specialty: Family MedicineRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Physical examination findings
- Lab results
- Diagnosis and treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Bronchitis? Ask your questions below.