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ICD-10 Coding for Mucus Plugging(T17.290A, R09.3)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mucus Plugging. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Mucus PlugAirway Obstruction by Mucus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mucus Plugging

T17.0-T17.9Primary Range

Foreign body in respiratory tract

Used when mucus plug causes airway obstruction or requires intervention.

Other symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

Used for non-obstructive mucus hypersecretion without intervention.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T17.290AForeign body in bronchus causing obstruction, initial encounterUse when a mucus plug causes airway obstruction and requires intervention.
  • Imaging confirmation of obstruction
  • Clinical documentation of intervention
R09.3Abnormal respiratory secretionsUse for non-obstructive mucus hypersecretion without intervention.
  • Documentation of frequent suctioning without obstruction

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 mucus plugging

Essential facts and insights about Mucus Plugging

The ICD-10 code for mucus plugging causing obstruction is T17.290A, used when intervention is required.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mucus plugging

Foreign body in bronchus causing obstruction, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented airway obstruction by mucus plug

coding Criteria

  • Use T17.290A with evidence of intervention

Applicable To

  • Mucus plug in bronchus causing obstruction

Excludes

  • Non-obstructive mucus secretion (R09.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Imaging confirmation of obstruction
  • Clinical documentation of intervention

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding without evidence of obstruction

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies obstruction and intervention.

Ancillary Codes

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

Inhalation of other objects causing obstruction

W80.8XXA
Use with T17 codes to specify the external cause.

Differential Codes

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

Abnormal respiratory secretions

R09.3
Use when there is no obstruction or intervention.

Foreign body in bronchus causing obstruction

T17.290A
Use when obstruction and intervention are documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mucus Plugging to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T17.290A.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to under-treatment documentation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all interventions are documented., Cross-check imaging and procedure notes.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to financial discrepancies., Compliance: Potential audit issues due to incorrect coding., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify documentation for evidence of obstruction and intervention.

Impact

Risk of audits due to improper classification of mucus plugging.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of obstruction and interventions.

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 Mucus Plugging, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mucus Plugging

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mucus Plugging. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Mucus plug causing airway obstruction

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Imaging confirmation
  • Intervention details
  • Clinical symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient presented with hypoxemia due to mucus plug in right bronchus, confirmed by CT. Bronchoscopy performed to remove plug.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had increased secretions.
Good Documentation Example
Patient had mucus plug causing obstruction in right bronchus, confirmed by CT, requiring bronchoscopy.
Explanation
The good example specifies the location, confirmation, and intervention, supporting the use of T17.290A.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mucus Plugging? Ask your questions below.

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