ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Mountain Sickness(D75.1, T70.29)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Chronic Mountain Sickness. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Chronic Mountain Sickness
D75-D76Primary Range
Other diseases of blood and blood-forming organs
This range includes polycythemia due to high altitude, which is a key component of chronic mountain sickness when excessive erythrocytosis is present.
Effects of external causes
This range includes other effects of high altitude, applicable to chronic mountain sickness without excessive erythrocytosis.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| D75.1 | Polycythemia due to high altitude | Use when chronic mountain sickness is diagnosed with excessive erythrocytosis. |
|
| T70.29 | Other effects of high altitude | Use for chronic mountain sickness without excessive erythrocytosis or for acute mountain sickness. |
|
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 chronic mountain sickness
Essential facts and insights about Chronic Mountain Sickness
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic mountain sickness
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of excessive erythrocytosis with hemoglobin levels above threshold.
documentation Criteria
- Complete Qinghai CMS Score documentation.
Applicable To
- Chronic mountain sickness with excessive erythrocytosis
Excludes
- T70.29 - Other effects of high altitude
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Hemoglobin levels ≥21g/dL for men and ≥19g/dL for women
- Qinghai CMS Score ≥6
- Pulse oximetry showing severe hypoxemia
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as T70.29 when excessive erythrocytosis is present.
Coding Notes
- Ensure hemoglobin levels and CMS score are documented to support the diagnosis.
T70.29 - Other effects of high altitude
Use for chronic mountain sickness without excessive erythrocytosis or for acute mountain sickness.
Applicable To
- Acute mountain sickness
Excludes
- D75.1 - Polycythemia due to high altitude
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Symptoms of mountain sickness without excessive erythrocytosis
Coding Notes
Ensure symptoms are documented without evidence of excessive erythrocytosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxemia
I27.23Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chronic Mountain Sickness to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D75.1.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate support for CMS diagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure CMS score is calculated and documented in patient records.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify hemoglobin levels and use D75.1 if thresholds are met.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of hemoglobin levels.
Mitigation Strategy
Require venous blood gas results in patient records.
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 Mountain Sickness, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Chronic Mountain Sickness
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Chronic Mountain Sickness. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Chronic Mountain Sickness with Excessive Erythrocytosis
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- Hemoglobin levels
- CMS score
- Symptoms grading
- Altitude exposure history
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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