ICD-10 Coding for Cough Variant Asthma(J45.991)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cough Variant Asthma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Cough Variant Asthma
J45-J46Primary Range
Asthma and status asthmaticus
This range includes all asthma-related codes, with J45.991 specifically for cough variant asthma.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for cough variant asthma
Essential facts and insights about Cough Variant Asthma
Primary ICD-10-CM Code for cough variant asthma
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Chronic cough >8 weeks, no wheezing, positive bronchial test
coding Criteria
- Avoid using with unspecified asthma codes
Applicable To
- Chronic cough as sole symptom
- Positive bronchial hyperresponsiveness
Excludes
- Classic asthma with wheezing
- Unspecified asthma
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Chronic cough >8 weeks without wheezing
- Positive methacholine challenge test (PC20 <10 mg/mL)
- Response to bronchodilators
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly pairing with unspecified asthma codes
- Lack of documented bronchial challenge test
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies CVA criteria and excludes other asthma types.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cough Variant Asthma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J45.991.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on CVA criteria, Use standardized templates
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use only J45.991 if CVA is confirmed.
Impact
Claims for J45.991 without documented bronchial challenge test.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all claims include test results and detailed symptom documentation.
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 Cough Variant Asthma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Cough Variant Asthma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cough Variant Asthma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pulmonology Clinic Visit
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- Chronic cough duration
- Absence of wheezing
- Methacholine challenge results
- Treatment response
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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