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ICD-10 Coding for Hypoxia Respiratory Failure(J96.01)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hypoxia Respiratory Failure. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acute Hypoxic Respiratory FailureHypoxic Respiratory Insufficiency

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hypoxia Respiratory Failure

J96.0-J96.2Primary Range

Acute and chronic respiratory failure

This range includes codes for acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia or hypercapnia.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute hypoxic respiratory failure

Essential facts and insights about Hypoxia Respiratory Failure

The ICD-10 code for acute hypoxic respiratory failure is J96.01, used when acute hypoxia is the primary reason for admission.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for hypoxia respiratory failure

Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented PaO2 <60 mmHg or SpO2 <90% on room air.

coding Criteria

  • Primary code if hypoxia is the main reason for admission.

documentation Criteria

  • Include ABG results and specific etiology.

Applicable To

  • Acute hypoxic respiratory failure

Excludes

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (J80)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • PaO2 <60 mmHg
  • SpO2 <90% on room air
  • ABG-confirmed hypoxia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of incorrect coding if hypoxia is not documented with ABG or SpO2 values.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute hypoxia with ABG or SpO2 values.

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 COPD exacerbation is the underlying cause of hypoxia.

Differential Codes

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

Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia

J96.02
Use if pCO2 >50 mmHg and pH <7.35.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

J80
Use if bilateral infiltrates and P/F ratio <200.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hypoxia Respiratory Failure to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J96.01.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement due to incorrect DRG.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate clinicians on the importance of specific terminology., Use templates that prompt for specific documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query for specificity to use J96.01 if hypoxia criteria are met.

Impact

Risk of audits if hypoxia is not documented with ABG or SpO2 values.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all cases of hypoxia are supported by ABG results.

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 Hypoxia Respiratory Failure, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hypoxia Respiratory Failure

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hypoxia Respiratory Failure. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Admission

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Acuity of respiratory failure
  • ABG results
  • SpO2 levels
  • Underlying cause

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient hypoxic, started on O2.
Good Documentation Example
Acute hypoxic respiratory failure (SpO2 82% on RA, improved to 94% on 4L NC) secondary to multifocal pneumonia.
Explanation
The good example specifies the acuity, SpO2 levels, and underlying cause, providing a complete clinical picture.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hypoxia Respiratory Failure? Ask your questions below.

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