ICD-10 Coding for Intermittent Asthma(J45.20, J45.21)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Intermittent Asthma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Intermittent Asthma
J45.2Primary Range
Mild intermittent asthma
This range includes all codes related to mild intermittent asthma, specifying complications such as exacerbation or status asthmaticus.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J45.20 | Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated | Use when asthma is mild and symptoms are infrequent without complications. |
|
| J45.21 | Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation | Use when there is an acute exacerbation of mild intermittent asthma. |
|
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 intermittent asthma
Essential facts and insights about Intermittent Asthma
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for intermittent asthma
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Documented symptom frequency and severity
Applicable To
- Mild intermittent asthma without complications
Excludes
- Persistent asthma
- Asthma with acute exacerbation
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Symptoms ≤2 days/week
- Nighttime awakenings ≤2x/month
- FEV1 ≥80% predicted
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if severity or frequency is not documented
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'mild intermittent' to avoid unspecified codes.
J45.21 - Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
Use when there is an acute exacerbation of mild intermittent asthma.
Applicable To
- Mild intermittent asthma with acute exacerbation
Excludes
- Status asthmaticus
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Increased albuterol use (>4x/week)
- Peak flow <80% personal best
Coding Notes
Link exacerbation to specific triggers in documentation.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Intermittent Asthma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J45.20.
Impact
Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: May lead to coding audits., Financial: Affects reimbursement rates.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized templates., Educate providers on documentation requirements.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audits and denials., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies 'intermittent' and 'mild' when applicable.
Impact
Lack of specificity in asthma documentation can trigger audits.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation of asthma type and triggers.
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 Intermittent Asthma, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Intermittent Asthma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Intermittent Asthma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Primary Care Visit for Asthma Management
Specialty: Family MedicineRequired Elements
- Symptom frequency
- Medication use
- Trigger identification
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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