ICD-10 Coding for Fever and Chills(R50.0, R50.9, R50.2)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Fever and Chills. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Fever and Chills
R50Primary Range
Fever of other and unknown origin
This range includes codes for fever with various specificities, including fever with chills and unspecified fever.
Other sepsis
This range is relevant when fever and chills are associated with sepsis, requiring specific coding for the underlying infection.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| R50.0 | Fever with chills | Use when both fever and chills are present and documented. |
|
| R50.9 | Fever, unspecified | Use when fever is present without a specific diagnosis or accompanying chills. |
|
| R50.2 | Drug-induced fever | Use when fever is clearly linked to a specific medication. |
|
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 fever with chills
Essential facts and insights about Fever and Chills
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for fever and chills
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of both fever and chills
Applicable To
- Fever with rigors
Excludes
- Fever of unknown origin (R50.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented fever and chills occurring together
- Temperature measurement and description of chills
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if chills are not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure both fever and chills are explicitly documented to use this code.
R50.9 - Fever, unspecified
Use when fever is present without a specific diagnosis or accompanying chills.
Applicable To
- Fever of unknown origin
Excludes
- Fever with chills (R50.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented fever without a specified cause
Coding Notes
Use as a placeholder during diagnostic workup.
R50.2 - Drug-induced fever
Use when fever is clearly linked to a specific medication.
Applicable To
- Fever due to medication
Excludes
- Fever with chills (R50.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented temporal relationship between drug administration and fever onset
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes the drug name and reaction details.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Fever and Chills to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R50.0.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough symptom documentation, Review patient history for complete symptomatology
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreased data quality and accuracy in patient records.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available, such as R50.0 for fever with chills.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.
Mitigation Strategy
Thorough documentation and regular coding audits.
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 Fever and Chills, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Fever and Chills
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Fever and Chills. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Emergency Department Visit for Fever and Chills
Specialty: Emergency MedicineRequired Elements
- Patient age and gender
- Onset and duration of symptoms
- Temperature readings
- Description of chills
- Medication history
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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