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ICD-10 Coding for Status Asthmaticus(J45.52)

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

Also known as:

Severe Asthma ExacerbationAsthma Attack Unresponsive to Treatment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Status Asthmaticus

J45Primary Range

Asthma

This range includes all asthma-related conditions, including status asthmaticus.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for status asthmaticus

Essential facts and insights about Status Asthmaticus

The ICD-10 code for status asthmaticus is J45.52, used for severe persistent asthma unresponsive to treatment.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for status asthmaticus

Severe persistent asthma with status asthmaticus
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits symptoms unresponsive to bronchodilators and has a PEFR < 50%

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify 'status asthmaticus' and treatment resistance

Applicable To

  • Severe asthma exacerbation unresponsive to treatment

Excludes

  • Asthma with acute exacerbation (J45.51)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Failure to respond to inhaled bronchodilators
  • Silent chest, paradoxical breathing, or altered mental status
  • PEFR < 50% predicted

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding both exacerbation and status asthmaticus

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the severity and lack of response to treatment to justify the use of this code.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of systemic steroids

Z79.52
Use when the patient is on long-term steroid therapy.

Differential Codes

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

Severe persistent asthma with acute exacerbation

J45.51
Use when the exacerbation responds to treatment and does not meet criteria for status asthmaticus.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Status Asthmaticus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J45.52.

Impact

Clinical: Lack of specificity can lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific asthma type and severity.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims or incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Only code J45.52 when status asthmaticus is present.

Impact

Using unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation is detailed and specific.

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 Status Asthmaticus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Status Asthmaticus

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Current symptoms
  • Response to treatment
  • Objective findings
  • ABG results

Example Documentation

**HPI**: 34yo F with hx of severe persistent asthma presents with acute dyspnea unresponsive to 4 albuterol/ipratropium nebs. Last dose 1 hour ago. **Exam**: Silent chest, SpO2 88% RA, accessory muscle use, paradoxical abdominal breathing. **ABG**: pH 7.28, PaCO2 52 mmHg. **Assessment**: Status asthmaticus complicating severe persistent asthma. **Plan**: IV magnesium, continuous albuterol, ICU admission.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Asthma flare, give steroids
Good Documentation Example
Status asthmaticus with respiratory failure, unresponsive to 6 albuterol nebs
Explanation
The good example specifies the severity and treatment resistance, justifying the use of J45.52.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Status Asthmaticus? Ask your questions below.

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