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ICD-10 Coding for Centrilobular Emphysema(J43.2)

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

Also known as:

Centrilobular EmphysematousCentrilobular Emphysema ICD-10

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Centrilobular Emphysema

J43-J44Primary Range

Other and unspecified emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This range includes codes for emphysema and COPD, with J43.2 specifically for centrilobular emphysema.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for centrilobular emphysema

Essential facts and insights about Centrilobular Emphysema

The ICD-10 code for centrilobular emphysema is J43.2, used when CT confirms the centrilobular pattern.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for centrilobular emphysema

Centrilobular emphysema
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CT shows centrilobular lucencies with upper lobe predominance.

documentation Criteria

  • Document smoking history and CT findings.

Applicable To

  • Centrilobular pattern emphysema

Excludes

  • J44.9 - Unspecified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • J43.9 - Unspecified emphysema

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Chest CT showing centrilobular lucencies
  • Upper lobe predominance
  • No evidence of panlobular or paraseptal emphysema

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding COPD with emphysema
  • Missing documentation of smoking history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure CT findings are documented to support the use of J43.2.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of tobacco dependence

Z87.891
Use for patients with a history of smoking.

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use if the patient has been exposed to secondhand smoke.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified emphysema

J43.9
Use J43.9 only if the type of emphysema is not specified.

Unspecified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

J44.9
Do not use J44.9 when emphysema is specified as centrilobular.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Centrilobular Emphysema to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J43.2.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient history., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document smoking history., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Violates coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Code only J43.2 when centrilobular emphysema is documented.

Impact

Using J44.9 with J43.2 when centrilobular emphysema is specified.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on proper code selection.

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

Documentation Templates for Centrilobular Emphysema

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

Pulmonology Progress Note

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • CT findings
  • Smoking history
  • PFT results

Example Documentation

Assessment: Centrilobular emphysema (J43.2) confirmed by HRCT showing centrilobular lucencies in upper lobes. Tobacco use disorder (Z87.891) with 40-pack-year history, quit 2020.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Emphysema present.
Good Documentation Example
HRCT demonstrates centrilobular emphysema with upper lobe predominance. 45-pack-year smoking history.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of emphysema and includes smoking history, supporting J43.2.

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

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