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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Bronchiolitis(J44.89)

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

Also known as:

Chronic Small Airway DiseasePersistent Bronchiolitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Bronchiolitis

J44-J47Primary Range

Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Includes chronic bronchiolitis as part of COPD spectrum.

Acute bronchiolitis

Used for acute cases, not applicable for chronic conditions.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for chronic bronchiolitis

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Bronchiolitis

The ICD-10 code for chronic bronchiolitis is J44.89, used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease not otherwise specified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for chronic bronchiolitis

Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Symptoms persisting for more than 3 months with evidence of small airway involvement.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed exposure history and chronic symptomatology must be documented.

Applicable To

  • Chronic bronchiolitis not otherwise classified

Excludes

  • Acute bronchiolitis (J21.-)
  • Chronic bronchitis (J41-J42)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Persistent wheezing/cough for ≥3 months
  • Chest CT showing mosaic attenuation
  • Pulmonary function tests indicating small airway obstruction

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with acute bronchiolitis codes
  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity

Coding Notes

  • Ensure chronicity is well-documented to avoid misclassification as acute bronchiolitis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use when there is documented exposure to tobacco smoke.

Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation

J45.901
Use if there is a reactive airway component present.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic bronchitis

J41-J42
Chronic bronchitis affects larger airways and presents with productive cough.

Bronchiectasis

J47
Characterized by permanent dilation of bronchi, visible on CT.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Bronchiolitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J44.89.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of environmental factors affecting condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring exposure documentation., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for related conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Include detailed exposure history in patient records, Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify chronicity through documented symptom duration and diagnostic tests.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of chronic symptoms leading to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of symptom duration and diagnostic findings.

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 Chronic Bronchiolitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Bronchiolitis

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

Chronic Bronchiolitis in Pediatric Patient

Specialty: Pediatric Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Symptom duration
  • Exposure history
  • Diagnostic test results

Example Documentation

12-month-old with 6-month history of weekly wheezing episodes, 4 ED visits for hypoxia, household smoking exposure.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Child with chronic lung disease.
Good Documentation Example
Persistent small airway inflammation confirmed via PFT showing FEF25-75% <60% predicted, recurrent hypoxemia (SpO2 88-92% room air), and parental smoking exposure.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and exposure history, supporting the chronic diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Bronchiolitis? Ask your questions below.

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