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ICD-10 Coding for Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation(J45.41)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Moderate Asthma with Flare-upModerate Persistent Asthma with Acute Exacerbation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation

J45-J46Primary Range

Asthma and Status Asthmaticus

This range includes all asthma-related conditions, including various severities and complications.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for moderate persistent asthma with exacerbation

Essential facts and insights about Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation

The ICD-10 code for moderate persistent asthma with exacerbation is J45.41, used when documented with an acute exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for moderate persistent asthma with exacerbation

Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits daily symptoms and requires systemic corticosteroids.

coding Criteria

  • Avoid using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

documentation Criteria

  • Document severity and exacerbation clearly with quantitative measures.

Applicable To

  • Moderate persistent asthma with acute exacerbation

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Daily symptoms impacting activity
  • Nighttime awakenings ≥1x/week
  • FEV1 60-80% predicted
  • Increased rescue inhaler use (≥3x/week)
  • Requires systemic corticosteroids

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as status asthmaticus
  • Using unspecified codes when specific codes apply

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'moderate persistent' and 'acute exacerbation' with objective measures.

Ancillary Codes

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

Occupational smoke exposure

Z57.31
Use when the patient is exposed to smoke at work.

Tobacco use

Z72.0
Use when the patient is a smoker.

Differential Codes

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

Moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus

J45.42
Status asthmaticus involves severe exacerbation not responsive to initial treatment and may require ICU care.

Moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated

J45.40
Use when there is no exacerbation or status asthmaticus.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J45.41.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify asthma severity in documentation., Use standardized terms and measures.

Impact

Reimbursement: Specific codes can justify higher-level visits and treatments., Compliance: Ensures compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Improves accuracy of healthcare data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available, such as J45.41 for moderate persistent asthma with exacerbation.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of exacerbation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and treatment.

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 Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Adult patient with moderate persistent asthma presenting with exacerbation

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • HPI with symptom duration and severity
  • Objective measures like FEV1 or PEFR
  • Treatment plan including corticosteroids

Example Documentation

Patient presents with 5-day history of worsening dyspnea, nocturnal symptoms 4x/week, and PEFR 55% of baseline. Started on prednisone 40mg daily x5 days.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Asthma flare-up needing steroids
Good Documentation Example
Patient with moderate persistent asthma presents with 5-day history of worsening dyspnea, nocturnal symptoms 4x/week, and PEFR 55% of baseline. Started on prednisone 40mg daily x5 days.
Explanation
The good example specifies severity, exacerbation, and includes objective measures.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Moderate Persistent Asthma with Exacerbation? Ask your questions below.

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