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ICD-10 Coding for History of Chronic Tonsillitis(Z86.19, J35.01)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for History of Chronic Tonsillitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Resolved Chronic TonsillitisPast Chronic Tonsillitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to History of Chronic Tonsillitis

Z86-Z87Primary Range

Personal history of certain other diseases

Used for conditions that are resolved but relevant to current care.

Diseases of the tonsils and adenoids

Used for active diseases of the tonsils, including chronic tonsillitis.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z86.19Personal history of other infectious and parasitic diseasesUse when chronic tonsillitis is resolved and relevant to current care.
  • Documentation of resolution of chronic tonsillitis
  • Past treatment details, such as tonsillectomy
J35.01Chronic tonsillitisUse for active cases of chronic tonsillitis.
  • Symptoms persisting for more than 3 months
  • Objective findings such as tonsillar hypertrophy

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 history of chronic tonsillitis

Essential facts and insights about History of Chronic Tonsillitis

The ICD-10 code for a history of chronic tonsillitis is Z86.19, used when the condition is resolved but relevant to current care.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for history of chronic tonsillitis

Personal history of other infectious and parasitic diseases
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document resolution and past treatment of chronic tonsillitis.

Applicable To

  • Resolved chronic tonsillitis

Excludes

  • Active chronic tonsillitis (J35.01)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of resolution of chronic tonsillitis
  • Past treatment details, such as tonsillectomy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for active tonsillitis

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation clearly states the resolution of the condition.

Ancillary Codes

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

Follow-up examination after treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasms

Z09
Use for follow-up visits post-tonsillectomy.

Differential Codes

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

Chronic tonsillitis

J35.01
Active symptoms and clinical findings of chronic tonsillitis.

Acute tonsillitis, unspecified

J03.90
Acute onset and short duration of symptoms.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting History of Chronic Tonsillitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z86.19.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient history, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes treatment and resolution details, Regular training on coding guidelines

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient history records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use Z86.19 for resolved cases with proper documentation.

Impact

Using Z codes without proper documentation of resolution.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the resolution of the condition.

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 History of Chronic Tonsillitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for History of Chronic Tonsillitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for History of Chronic Tonsillitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-tonsillectomy follow-up

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Past medical history
  • Current symptoms
  • Resolution of chronic tonsillitis

Example Documentation

Patient presents for follow-up after tonsillectomy. History of chronic tonsillitis resolved post-surgery. No current symptoms.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
History of tonsillitis.
Good Documentation Example
History of chronic tonsillitis, resolved after tonsillectomy in 2020. No recurrence.
Explanation
The good example specifies chronicity and resolution, supporting the use of Z86.19.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for History of Chronic Tonsillitis? Ask your questions below.

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