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ICD-10 Coding for Streptococcal Pharyngitis(J02.0)

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

Also known as:

Strep ThroatSeptic Pharyngitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Streptococcal Pharyngitis

J00-J06Primary Range

Acute upper respiratory infections

This range includes codes for acute infections of the upper respiratory tract, including streptococcal pharyngitis.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for streptococcal pharyngitis

Essential facts and insights about Streptococcal Pharyngitis

The ICD-10 code for streptococcal pharyngitis is J02.0, used when confirmed by RADT or culture.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for streptococcal pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive RADT or culture with symptoms like fever and exudates.

documentation Criteria

  • Documented test results confirming streptococcal infection.

Applicable To

  • Strep throat
  • Septic pharyngitis

Excludes

  • Acute tonsillitis (J03.-)
  • Acute laryngitis (J04.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive RADT with clinical symptoms
  • Throat culture confirming Group A Streptococcus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Coding without confirmation of strep infection
  • Mixing with Excludes1 codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes test results confirming streptococcal infection.

Ancillary Codes

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

Streptococcus, group A, as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere

B95.0
Use to specify the organism causing the infection.

Fever, unspecified

R50.9
Use to document associated fever.

Differential Codes

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

Acute pharyngitis, unspecified

J02.9
Use J02.9 when strep is suspected but not confirmed.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Streptococcal Pharyngitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J02.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate antibiotic use., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm with RADT or culture, Document test results clearly

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure RADT or culture confirms the infection before coding.

Impact

Coding J02.0 without documented confirmation increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all diagnoses are supported by test results.

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 Streptococcal Pharyngitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Streptococcal Pharyngitis

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

Acute Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Specialty: Primary Care

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Test results
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: Sore throat x 2 days. HPI: Acute onset, fever 101°F, no cough. Exam: Erythematous pharynx, tonsillar exudate. RADT positive. Dx: Streptococcal pharyngitis (J02.0).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Sore throat, will treat with antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Acute sore throat, fever 101°F, RADT positive for GAS. Dx: Streptococcal pharyngitis (J02.0).
Explanation
The good example includes specific symptoms and test results confirming the diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Streptococcal Pharyngitis? Ask your questions below.

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