ICD-10 Coding for Parainfluenza(J12.2, J20.4, J21.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Parainfluenza. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Parainfluenza
J12-J18Primary Range
Pneumonia due to specific infectious organisms
Includes codes for pneumonia caused by specific viruses, including parainfluenza.
Other acute lower respiratory infections
Covers acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis due to parainfluenza.
Viral agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
Used to specify the viral agent when not included in the primary condition code.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J12.2 | Pneumonia due to parainfluenza virus | Use when pneumonia is confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza virus. |
|
| J20.4 | Acute bronchitis due to parainfluenza virus | Use for confirmed cases of acute bronchitis due to parainfluenza. |
|
| J21.8 | Acute bronchiolitis due to other specified organisms | Use for bronchiolitis cases confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza. |
|
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 parainfluenza pneumonia
Essential facts and insights about Parainfluenza
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for parainfluenza
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed parainfluenza infection with pneumonia symptoms
Applicable To
- Parainfluenza virus pneumonia
Excludes
- Influenza virus pneumonia (J09-J11)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR or nasal swab confirming parainfluenza
- Radiographic evidence of pneumonia
- Symptoms such as fever, crackles, hypoxemia
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as unspecified pneumonia
- Omission of viral confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure viral confirmation is documented.
J20.4 - Acute bronchitis due to parainfluenza virus
Use for confirmed cases of acute bronchitis due to parainfluenza.
Applicable To
- Parainfluenza bronchitis
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis (J40-J42)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Moderate-severe cough lasting ≥5 days
- PCR confirmation of parainfluenza
Coding Notes
Document the viral cause explicitly.
J21.8 - Acute bronchiolitis due to other specified organisms
Use for bronchiolitis cases confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza.
Applicable To
- Parainfluenza bronchiolitis
Excludes
- Bronchiolitis due to RSV (J21.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR confirmation of parainfluenza
- Symptoms of bronchiolitis
Coding Notes
Ensure the viral agent is documented.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Other viral agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B97.8Differential 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 Parainfluenza to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J12.2.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Fails to meet coding standards., Financial: May result in denied claims.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate clinicians on documentation specificity, Implement EHR prompts for viral specification
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of health data.
Mitigation Strategy
Use specific codes like J12.2 or J20.4 that include the viral cause.
Impact
High risk of audits if viral cause is not documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all pneumonia cases have documented viral confirmation.
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 Parainfluenza, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Parainfluenza
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Parainfluenza. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Parainfluenza pneumonia diagnosis
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- PCR confirmation
- Radiographic findings
- Symptom documentation
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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