Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure(J96.01)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acute Respiratory Failure with HypoxiaAHRF

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

J96.0-J96.02Primary Range

Acute respiratory failure

This range includes codes for acute respiratory failure, specifying hypoxia or hypercapnia.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Used when ARDS is present, cannot be coded with J96.01 due to Excludes1 note.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

Essential facts and insights about Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

The ICD-10 code for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is J96.01.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for acute hypoxemic resp failure

Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute hypoxemia with documented intervention

coding Criteria

  • Do not code with J80 due to Excludes1 note

Applicable To

  • Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

Excludes

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PaO2 <60 mmHg or SpO2 <91% on room air
  • P/F ratio <300
  • Acute intervention required (e.g., HFNC, mechanical ventilation)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without acute intervention documentation
  • Confusing with ARDS

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acute hypoxemic respiratory failure' and includes necessary clinical validation.

Ancillary Codes

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

COVID-19

U07.1
Use when COVID-19 is confirmed and related to respiratory failure.

Differential Codes

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

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

J80
Use J80 when ARDS criteria are met, including bilateral infiltrates and P/F ratio ≤200.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J96.01.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Fails to meet coding specificity requirements., Financial: Results in lower reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation specificity., Use templates that prompt for required details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates Excludes1 note, risking compliance issues., Data Quality: Compromises data accuracy for clinical reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J80 only when ARDS criteria are met and exclude J96.01.

Impact

Using J96.01 with J80 violates Excludes1 note.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on code exclusivity rules.

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 Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

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

Emergency Department Admission

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • SpO2 levels
  • Intervention details
  • Underlying cause

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient hypoxic, started on oxygen.
Good Documentation Example
Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (SpO2 88% on RA) secondary to bacterial pneumonia. Requires BiPAP with FiO2 60%. ABG: pH 7.32, PaO2 55 mmHg, P/F ratio 183.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical criteria and intervention details, ensuring accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more