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ICD-10 Coding for COPD Mixed Type(J44.89, J44.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for COPD Mixed Type. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mixed PhenotypeCOPD with Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to COPD Mixed Type

J44-J45Primary Range

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma

This range includes codes for COPD and its various phenotypes, including mixed types with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J44.89Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseUse when both emphysema and chronic bronchitis are present and confirmed by imaging.
  • CT findings showing emphysema index ≥15% and mean wall area ≥60.4%
  • Documented history of chronic bronchitis and emphysema
J44.1COPD with (acute) exacerbationUse when there is an acute exacerbation of COPD symptoms.
  • Documented acute worsening of respiratory 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 COPD mixed type

Essential facts and insights about COPD Mixed Type

The ICD-10 code for COPD mixed type is J44.89, covering mixed phenotypes with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for copd mixed type

Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis confirmed by CT.

Applicable To

  • Mixed COPD phenotype with emphysema and chronic bronchitis

Excludes

  • Emphysema without chronic bronchitis (J43.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • CT findings showing emphysema index ≥15% and mean wall area ≥60.4%
  • Documented history of chronic bronchitis and emphysema

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding emphysema separately when it is part of the mixed phenotype.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the mixed phenotype to avoid coding errors.

Ancillary Codes

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

COPD with (acute) exacerbation

J44.1
Use when there is an acute exacerbation of COPD.

Differential Codes

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

Emphysema, unspecified

J43.9
Use J43.9 if emphysema is present without chronic bronchitis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and imaging., Use specific terminology for mixed phenotypes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J44.89 for mixed phenotype instead of coding emphysema separately.

Impact

Risk of audits due to improper coding of mixed COPD phenotypes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of J44.89 with specific CT 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 COPD Mixed Type, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for COPD Mixed Type

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for COPD Mixed Type. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Exacerbation of mixed COPD

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • CT findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Assessment: Mixed COPD phenotype with acute exacerbation. CT confirms emphysema index 18%, MWA 62%. Plan: Prednisone 40mg daily.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
COPD flare-up, give steroids.
Good Documentation Example
Acute exacerbation of mixed COPD (emphysema + chronic bronchitis) with increased work of breathing, RR 28, SpO2 88% RA. CT confirms EI 18% + MWA 62%.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical details and imaging results, improving documentation quality.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for COPD Mixed Type? Ask your questions below.

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