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ICD-10 Coding for Allergies(J30.1, J45.909)

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

Also known as:

Allergic RhinitisHay Fever

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Allergies

J30-J39Primary Range

Other diseases of upper respiratory tract

This range includes codes for allergic rhinitis and related conditions.

Allergy, unspecified

Used for unspecified allergic reactions when the allergen is not identified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J30.1Allergic rhinitis due to pollenUse when allergic rhinitis is confirmed to be due to pollen.
  • Positive skin prick test for pollen
  • Serum IgE >0.35 kU/L for pollen
J45.909Unspecified asthmaUse for asthma when no specific type is documented.
  • Clinical diagnosis of asthma without specific type

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 allergic rhinitis

Essential facts and insights about Allergies

The ICD-10 code for allergic rhinitis due to pollen is J30.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for allergies

Allergic rhinitis due to pollen
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed pollen allergy through testing

Applicable To

  • Hay fever

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive skin prick test for pollen
  • Serum IgE >0.35 kU/L for pollen

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding with asthma codes due to Excludes1 note.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure allergen is specified to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Exposure to tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use when patient is exposed to tobacco smoke.

Differential Codes

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

Other seasonal allergic rhinitis

J30.2
Use J30.2 for seasonal allergies not specifically due to pollen.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Allergies to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J30.1.

Impact

Clinical: Reduces specificity of patient records., Regulatory: May lead to audit issues., Financial: Can affect reimbursement rates.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify allergen when possible., Use test results to confirm diagnosis.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates ICD-10 Excludes1 rules., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J45.909 alone if asthma is present.

Impact

Using J30.9 without specifying allergen.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure allergen is documented in patient records.

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

Documentation Templates for Allergies

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

Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosis

Specialty: Allergy and Immunology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Allergy test results
  • Exposure history

Example Documentation

Patient reports sneezing and itchy eyes during spring. Skin prick test positive for oak pollen.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Allergies worse this season.
Good Documentation Example
Allergic rhinitis due to ragweed pollen (skin test 5mm wheal). No asthma symptoms.
Explanation
The good example specifies the allergen and test results, providing clear documentation.

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

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