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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome(J80)

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

Also known as:

ARDSAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

J80Primary Range

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Primary code for ARDS, used when the condition is present.

COVID-19, virus identified

Used when ARDS is related to COVID-19 infection.

Postprocedural respiratory failure

Used when ARDS occurs as a complication following a procedure.

Key Information: How is ARDS coded in ICD-10?

Essential facts and insights about Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

ARDS is coded using J80 in ICD-10. If related to COVID-19, U07.1 should be sequenced first.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for ards

Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bilateral infiltrates and hypoxemia

Applicable To

  • ARDS

Excludes

  • Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (P22.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Acute onset of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates
  • PaO2/FiO2 ratio <300 mmHg
  • Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure ARDS is not confused with other forms of respiratory failure.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports ARDS criteria.

Ancillary Codes

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

COVID-19, virus identified

U07.1
Use with J80 when ARDS is due to COVID-19.

Differential Codes

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

Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

J96.01
Use J96.01 when ARDS criteria are not met.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J80.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure etiology is documented in the medical record.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may affect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code only J80 when ARDS criteria are met.

Impact

Failure to sequence COVID-19 before ARDS.

Mitigation Strategy

Review coding guidelines regularly.

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 Respiratory Distress Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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

ICU Admission for ARDS

Specialty: Critical Care

Required Elements

  • Onset of symptoms
  • Oxygenation status
  • Imaging results
  • Exclusion of cardiac causes

Example Documentation

Patient admitted with ARDS secondary to bacterial pneumonia. Requires mechanical ventilation. CXR shows bilateral infiltrates.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
ARDS, manage ventilation
Good Documentation Example
Day 3 of ARDS secondary to aspiration pneumonia (J69.0). Current P/F ratio 150 on APRV. Negative cardiac workup (EF 65%). Daily fluid balance -800mL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and excludes cardiac causes.

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

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