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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Rhinobronchitis(J20.6, J00)

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

Also known as:

Acute NasobronchitisUpper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Rhinobronchitis

Acute upper respiratory infections

Includes codes for acute nasopharyngitis and other upper respiratory infections.

J20-J22Primary Range

Other acute lower respiratory infections

Primary range for coding acute bronchitis, including rhinobronchitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J20.6Acute bronchitis due to rhinovirusUse when rhinovirus is confirmed as the causative agent of bronchitis.
  • Positive PCR for rhinovirus
  • Presence of acute cough and wheezing
J00Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]Use for upper respiratory symptoms accompanying bronchitis.
  • Presence of rhinorrhea and nasal congestion

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 rhinobronchitis

Essential facts and insights about Acute Rhinobronchitis

The ICD-10 code for acute rhinobronchitis due to rhinovirus is J20.6. Use J00 for concurrent upper respiratory symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute rhinobronchitis

Acute bronchitis due to rhinovirus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed rhinovirus infection with acute bronchitis symptoms

coding Criteria

  • Use J20.6 when rhinovirus is confirmed; otherwise, consider J20.9

Applicable To

  • Acute rhinobronchitis due to rhinovirus

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive PCR for rhinovirus
  • Presence of acute cough and wheezing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use if rhinovirus is not confirmed

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies rhinovirus as the causative agent.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute cough

R05.1
Use if cough severity requires separate documentation.

Contact with environmental tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use if exposure to tobacco smoke is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Acute bronchitis, unspecified

J20.9
Use when the specific organism is not identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Rhinobronchitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J20.6.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to less precise treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document lab results., Include organism in diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J20.6 or J20.9 for acute bronchitis with specific documentation.

Impact

Using J20.9 without organism documentation can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure organism is documented and coded when known.

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

Documentation Templates for Acute Rhinobronchitis

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

Acute Rhinobronchitis in Urgent Care

Specialty: Urgent Care

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptom duration
  • Lab results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

HPI: 34F with 6-day history of progressive rhinorrhea, sore throat, and productive cough. Positive nasal PCR for rhinovirus. Exam: Tympanic membranes normal, nasal mucosa erythematous, expiratory wheezes bilateral bases. Assessment: Acute rhinobronchitis due to rhinovirus (J20.6, J00). Plan: Albuterol PRN, saline nasal spray, return if dyspnea worsens.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Cough and runny nose
Good Documentation Example
Acute rhinobronchitis with rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and expiratory wheezing; rhinovirus detected via PCR
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms and lab confirmation, supporting accurate coding.

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

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