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ICD-10 Coding for Bronchiectasis Exacerbation(J47.1, J47.0)

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

Also known as:

Acute Exacerbation of BronchiectasisBronchiectasis Flare-up

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bronchiectasis Exacerbation

J47Primary Range

Bronchiectasis

This range includes all codes related to bronchiectasis, including exacerbations and infections.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J47.1Bronchiectasis with acute exacerbationUse when there is an acute worsening of bronchiectasis symptoms without a specified infection.
  • Increased sputum volume or purulence
  • Dyspnea
  • Fatigue lasting 48 hours
  • + 1 more
J47.0Bronchiectasis with acute lower respiratory infectionUse when exacerbation is due to a documented infection.
  • Documented infection such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis

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 bronchiectasis exacerbation

Essential facts and insights about Bronchiectasis Exacerbation

The ICD-10 code for bronchiectasis with acute exacerbation is J47.1, used for acute symptom worsening without infection.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bronchiectasis exacerbation

Bronchiectasis with acute exacerbation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of increased sputum, dyspnea, and treatment change

Applicable To

  • Acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis

Excludes

  • Bronchiectasis with acute lower respiratory infection (J47.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Increased sputum volume or purulence
  • Dyspnea
  • Fatigue lasting 48 hours
  • Decision to change treatment

Code-Specific Risks

  • Undercoding if symptoms are not explicitly linked to bronchiectasis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acute exacerbation' and includes symptom details.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute bronchitis, unspecified

J20.9
Use alongside J47.0 when acute bronchitis is the documented infection.

Pneumonia, unspecified organism

J18.9
Use with J47.0 when pneumonia is the documented infection.

Differential Codes

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

Bronchiectasis with acute lower respiratory infection

J47.0
Use when an infection like pneumonia or acute bronchitis is documented.

Bronchiectasis with acute exacerbation

J47.1
Use when no specific infection is documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bronchiectasis Exacerbation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J47.1.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates for documentation., Ensure all symptoms are linked to bronchiectasis.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Code J47.9 if no acute worsening is documented.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of symptoms and treatment changes.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates and ensure all criteria are met.

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

Documentation Templates for Bronchiectasis Exacerbation

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

Emergency Department Visit for Exacerbation

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Increased sputum volume
  • Sputum color change
  • Duration of symptoms
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with increased green sputum, dyspnea at rest, and fatigue. CT confirms bronchiectasis. Start Augmentin 875 mg BID ×10 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports worse cough and shortness of breath.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with 4-day history of increased green sputum (30 mL/day), dyspnea at rest (SpO2 88% on RA), and fatigue. CT confirms bronchiectasis. Decision: Start Augmentin 875 mg BID ×10 days.
Explanation
The good example provides specific symptoms, duration, and treatment changes, supporting the use of J47.1.

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

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