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ICD-10 Coding for Bronchial Asthma(J45.901, J45.20)

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

Also known as:

AsthmaReactive Airway Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bronchial Asthma

J45Primary Range

Asthma

This range includes all types of asthma, including intermittent, persistent, and exercise-induced.

Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Used when asthma coexists with COPD and the type of asthma is unspecified.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J45.901Unspecified asthma with acute exacerbationUse when asthma type is unspecified but an acute exacerbation is present.
  • Documented acute exacerbation without specified asthma type
J45.20Mild intermittent asthmaUse when asthma is classified as mild intermittent without exacerbation.
  • Documented mild intermittent symptoms

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 bronchial asthma

Essential facts and insights about Bronchial Asthma

The ICD-10 code for unspecified bronchial asthma with acute exacerbation is J45.901. For specific types, use codes like J45.20 for mild intermittent asthma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bronchial asthma

Unspecified asthma with acute exacerbation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Presence of acute exacerbation without specified asthma type

Applicable To

  • Asthma exacerbation

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented acute exacerbation without specified asthma type

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if asthma type is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies exacerbation to use this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use to indicate environmental factors contributing to asthma exacerbation.

Differential Codes

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

COPD with acute exacerbation

J44.1
Use when COPD is primary and asthma type is unspecified.

Mild intermittent asthma with exacerbation

J45.21
Use when exacerbation is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bronchial Asthma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J45.901.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates, Regular training on documentation requirements

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J44.9 for COPD with asthma unless asthma type is specified.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding when asthma type is unspecified.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of asthma type and severity.

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

Documentation Templates for Bronchial Asthma

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

Pediatric Asthma Management

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Current medications
  • Asthma triggers
  • Spirometry results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with wheezing and dyspnea. Current medications include albuterol inhaler. Triggers include pollen exposure.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Asthma, stable.
Good Documentation Example
Moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated (FEV1 65%), maintained on fluticasone MDI.
Explanation
The good example specifies asthma severity and treatment, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

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

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