ICD-10 Coding for Epiglottitis(J05.1, C10.1)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Epiglottitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Epiglottitis
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J05.1 | Acute epiglottitis | Use when acute epiglottitis is confirmed with airway obstruction symptoms. |
|
| C10.1 | Malignant neoplasm of anterior surface of epiglottis | Use when a malignant neoplasm is confirmed on the anterior surface of the epiglottis. |
|
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 acute epiglottitis
Essential facts and insights about Epiglottitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for epiglottis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of acute symptoms like stridor and drooling
coding Criteria
- Sequence causal organism code before J05.1
Applicable To
- Acute epiglottitis with airway obstruction
Excludes
- Chronic epiglottitis (J37.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Stridor
- Drooling
- Fever >39°C
- Lateral neck X-ray: 'Thumbprint sign'
Code-Specific Risks
- Confusion with chronic epiglottitis
- Incorrect sequencing with bacterial infection codes
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the presence of airway obstruction and causal organism.
C10.1 - Malignant neoplasm of anterior surface of epiglottis
Use when a malignant neoplasm is confirmed on the anterior surface of the epiglottis.
Applicable To
- Biopsy-proven malignancy of anterior epiglottis
Excludes
- Suprahyoid epiglottis (C32.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Biopsy report confirming malignancy
- CT/MRI evidence of tumor
Coding Notes
Ensure histology report is available to support the diagnosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
H. influenzae as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B96.3Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Epiglottitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J05.1.
Impact
Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient condition, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect billing and reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Verify the duration of symptoms, Consult clinical guidelines for acute vs. chronic differentiation
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Use J05.1 for acute cases with sudden onset and airway obstruction.
Impact
Incorrect sequencing of infectious agent and epiglottitis codes.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coders on proper sequencing rules.
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 Epiglottitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Epiglottitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Epiglottitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Epiglottitis in Emergency Department
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- History of present illness
- Physical examination findings
- Imaging results
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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