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ICD-10 Coding for Aspergillus Pneumonia(B44.0, B44.1, J17.2)

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

Also known as:

Pulmonary AspergillosisInvasive AspergillosisChronic Cavitary Aspergillosis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Aspergillus Pneumonia

B44-B44.9Primary Range

Aspergillosis

This range includes all forms of aspergillosis, including pulmonary aspergillosis.

Fungal pneumonia, not elsewhere classified

Used when fungal pneumonia is diagnosed but Aspergillus is not confirmed.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
B44.0Invasive pulmonary aspergillosisUse for invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients with specific clinical evidence.
  • BAL GM ≥1.0 ODI
  • CT showing halo sign
  • Host factors like neutropenia or transplant
B44.1Other pulmonary aspergillosisUse for chronic cavitary aspergillosis with specific clinical findings.
  • IgG >40 AU/mL
  • Cavitation on CT
  • Exclusion of ABPA
J17.2Fungal pneumonia, not elsewhere classifiedUse when fungal pneumonia is diagnosed but Aspergillus is not confirmed.
  • Fungal pneumonia diagnosis without specific organism identification

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 aspergillus pneumonia

Essential facts and insights about Aspergillus Pneumonia

The ICD-10 code for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is B44.0, while chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis is coded as B44.1.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for aspergillus pneumonia

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of invasive aspergillosis indicators in immunocompromised host.

Applicable To

  • Invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients

Excludes

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • BAL GM ≥1.0 ODI
  • CT showing halo sign
  • Host factors like neutropenia or transplant

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without clinical correlation
  • Failure to document host factors

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific invasive criteria and host factors.

Ancillary Codes

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

Complications of lung transplant

T86.818
Use for transplant patients with aspergillosis as a complication.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis

B44.1
Chronic symptoms, cavitary lesions, and elevated IgG.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

B44.0
Requires invasive criteria and host immunosuppression.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Aspergillus Pneumonia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B44.0.

Impact

Clinical: Mismanagement of patient care due to incomplete diagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Include host factor documentation in patient records, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure clinical evidence supports the diagnosis, not just culture results.

Impact

Failure to sequence transplant complications before aspergillosis can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper sequencing 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 Aspergillus Pneumonia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Aspergillus Pneumonia

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

Invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patient

Specialty: Infectious Disease

Required Elements

  • Invasive criteria
  • Host factors
  • Treatment plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pulmonary aspergillosis suspected, culture positive.
Good Documentation Example
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis confirmed by BAL galactomannan ODI 2.4 and CT showing halo sign in neutropenic patient post-chemotherapy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical evidence and context.

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

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