Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Respiratory Distress Syndrome(J80, U07.1)

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

Also known as:

Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeARDSRDS

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Respiratory Distress Syndrome

J80Primary Range

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Primary code for ARDS, used when Berlin criteria are met.

COVID-19

Used in conjunction with J80 when ARDS is due to COVID-19.

Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified

Used for respiratory failure cases not meeting ARDS criteria.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J80Acute respiratory distress syndromeUse when all Berlin criteria for ARDS are met.
  • Acute onset within 7 days
  • Bilateral infiltrates on imaging
  • PaO₂/FiO₂ ≤300 mmHg on PEEP ≥5 cmH₂O
  • + 1 more
U07.1COVID-19Use with J80 when ARDS is due to COVID-19.
  • Confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis

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 acute respiratory distress syndrome

Essential facts and insights about Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The ICD-10 code for acute respiratory distress syndrome is J80, used when Berlin criteria are met.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • All Berlin criteria must be documented.

coding Criteria

  • Do not use if criteria are not met.

Applicable To

  • ARDS

Excludes

  • Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (P22.0)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Acute onset within 7 days
  • Bilateral infiltrates on imaging
  • PaO₂/FiO₂ ≤300 mmHg on PEEP ≥5 cmH₂O
  • Exclusion of cardiac failure

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if Berlin criteria are not fully documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies ARDS criteria and excludes cardiac causes.

Ancillary Codes

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

COVID-19

U07.1
Use with J80 when ARDS is due to COVID-19.

Differential Codes

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

Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

J96.01
Use when ARDS criteria are not met but acute respiratory failure is present.

Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B97.29
Use for non-COVID-19 coronavirus infections.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Respiratory Distress Syndrome to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J80.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of clarity on treatment approach., Regulatory: Potential audit issues., Financial: Incorrect DRG assignment.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the underlying cause of ARDS.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all Berlin criteria are documented for ARDS.

Impact

Failure to document all Berlin criteria can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for ARDS criteria in documentation.

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 Respiratory Distress Syndrome, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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

ICU Admission for ARDS

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis of ARDS with Berlin criteria
  • Etiology of ARDS
  • Management plan

Example Documentation

Patient admitted with ARDS due to COVID-19. Meets Berlin criteria: PaO₂/FiO₂ 180 on PEEP 10, bilateral infiltrates, no cardiac failure.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has respiratory distress.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with ARDS per Berlin criteria: PaO₂/FiO₂ 150 on PEEP 8, bilateral infiltrates on CXR, no cardiac failure.
Explanation
The good example specifies ARDS criteria and excludes cardiac causes.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Respiratory Distress Syndrome? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more