ICD-10 Coding for Acute Viral Bronchitis(J20.5, J20.6, J20.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Viral Bronchitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Viral Bronchitis
J20-J20.9Primary Range
Acute Bronchitis
This range includes codes for acute bronchitis caused by specific viruses.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J20.5 | Acute bronchitis due to respiratory syncytial virus | Use when RSV is confirmed as the causative agent. |
|
| J20.6 | Acute bronchitis due to rhinovirus | Use when rhinovirus is confirmed as the causative agent. |
|
| J20.8 | Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms | Use when a specific virus is identified but not listed under other J20 codes. |
|
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 viral bronchitis
Essential facts and insights about Acute Viral Bronchitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute viral bronchitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed RSV infection via lab test
Applicable To
- RSV bronchitis
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive RSV PCR or antigen test
Code-Specific Risks
- Misidentifying the virus can lead to incorrect coding.
Coding Notes
- Ensure laboratory confirmation of RSV.
J20.6 - Acute bronchitis due to rhinovirus
Use when rhinovirus is confirmed as the causative agent.
Applicable To
- Rhinovirus bronchitis
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive rhinovirus PCR or viral culture
Coding Notes
Ensure laboratory confirmation of rhinovirus.
J20.8 - Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms
Use when a specific virus is identified but not listed under other J20 codes.
Applicable To
- Adenovirus bronchitis
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Positive test for a specified virus not listed under other J20 codes
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the virus and use B97.8.
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 Viral Bronchitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J20.5.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Always confirm the virus with lab tests., Educate providers on documentation standards.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use J20.8 with B97.8 if the virus is unspecified but viral.
Impact
Failure to specify the virus can lead to audit flags.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all viral bronchitis cases specify the virus or use B97.8.
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 Viral Bronchitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Viral Bronchitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Viral Bronchitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute bronchitis due to a specific virus
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- Causative virus
- Confirmation method
- Exclusion of bacterial infection
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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