a patient was diagnosed with asthma which coding system is used to report this condition

by Mr. Danny Ernser II 4 min read

Asthma ICD 10 - Coding Guidelines along with Examples

23 hours ago  · ICD-10 guidelines and Codes: Refer Chapter 10 (Diseases of the respiratory system (J00- J99) in ICD-10-CM for Asthma guidelines. ICD codes are arranged in alphabetical order. One should clearly understand the type of asthma and code to the highest specificity. Most types of Asthma fall into category J45. >> Go To The Portal


Asthma codes for ICD-10 are a little different from ICD-9. In ICD-10, asthma is coded as intermittent or persistent and adds: mild - moderate - severe as descriptors, as we would do clinically describing these patients. In addition, a fifth digit is used to describe asthma as uncomplicated (x=0), with exacerbation (x=1) and with status (x=2).

The ICD-CM codes for asthma have changed from 493.00 – 493.99 in ICD-9-CM to J45.May 16, 2019

Full Answer

What is the CPT code for asthma?

Most types of Asthma fall into category J45. For example, if asthma unspecified and asthma exacerbation is mentioned in the final impression, code should be assigned for asthma exacerbation only. Here is the tricky part comes in coding asthma.

Can you code both asthma and COPD in a report?

Also, she has a history of COPD and asthma. After examining the patient, physician orders a chest X-ray and given nebulizer treatment at the clinic. Need to code both asthma and COPD because asthma with additional specificity can be coded along with COPD.

What tests are used to diagnose work-related asthma?

The diagnosis of work-related asthma is based on a combination of medical and exposure history, physical exam, and medical tests (e.g., pulmonary function tests). Consider work-related asthma as a possibility in all working patients with new onset asthma or asthma that clinically worsens after previously being controlled.

What is asthma?

Very common form of asthma which occurs when the person gets exposed to any allergens like pollen, mites. This is not allergic; instead it gets triggered by weather conditions, exercise, infections or stress. Children at any age can diagnose with asthma.

Which coding system is used to report diagnosis and conditions on claims?

ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, Clinical Modification) Healthcare professionals use these codes to report diagnoses and disorders. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Which coding system is used to report procedures and services on claims?

The medical coding systems currently used in the United States are ICD-10-CM/PCS and HCPCS (Level I CPT codes and Level II National Codes). The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) is used to report hospital outpatient procedures and physician services.

Which is entered in Block 11c of the CMS 1500?

Item 11c-Insurance plan name or program name: Enter the nine-digit payer identification (ID) number of the primary insurance plan or program. If no payer ID number exists, enter the complete primary payer's program name or plan name.

Which coding system is used to report procedures performed in physician offices and outpatient departments?

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT): Coding system published by the American Medical Association that is used to report procedures and services performed during outpatient and physician office encounters, and professional services provided to inpatients.

When do you use HCPCS vs CPT?

1. CPT is a code set to describe medical, surgical ,and diagnostic services; HCPCS are codes based on the CPT to provide standardized coding when healthcare is delivered.

What are CPT 4 codes used for?

The CPT-4 is a uniform coding system consisting of descriptive terms and identifying codes that are used primarily to identify medical services and procedures furnished by physicians and other health care professionals.

What goes in box 32a on CMS-1500?

National Provider Identifier (NPI)Box 32a: If required by Medicare claims processing policy, enter the National Provider Identifier (NPI) of the service facility.

What is a CMS-1500?

The CMS-1500 form is the standard claim form used by a non-institutional provider or supplier to bill Medicare carriers and durable medical equipment regional carriers (DMERCs) when a provider qualifies for a waiver from the Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) requirement for electronic submission of ...

What goes in box 33B on CMS-1500?

non-NPI identity of the Billing providerBox 33b contains the non-NPI identity of the Billing provider. The source for the actual non-NPI value is the text entered into the field labeled 'Box 33B:' under the 'HCFA-1500/UB-92' tab of the Payers screen (of the payer to whom this claim is being sent).

What is the difference between DRG and CPT?

DRG codes are used to classify inpatient hospital services and are commonly used by many insurance companies and Medicare. The DRG code, the length of the inpatient stay and the CPT code are combined to determine claim payment and reimbursement. You cannot search our site using DRG codes at this time.

What codes are used for outpatient coding?

Outpatient coding uses ICD-10-CM diagnostic codes and CPT or HCPCS codes, which specifically apply to services and supplies provided in the outpatient setting. Documentation plays a key role in assigning CPT and HCPCS codes.

What are the 4 types of medical coding systems?

Types of Codes UsedICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinically Modified) ... CPT® (Current Procedure Terminology) ... ICD-10-PCS (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Procedural Coding System) ... HCPCS Level II (Health Care Procedural Coding System, Level II)More items...

What is status asthmaticus?

Status asthmaticus is described as asthma with acute symptoms that do not respond to standard treatment including the use of steroids and bronchodilators. Exacerbation is a sudden worsening of a disease and typically last several days. In coding, if patients have COPD and asthma documented, without any further specificity of the type of asthma, ...

What age does asthma occur?

The cause of asthma is either environmental or genetic. If asthma is present before age 12, the cause is most likely from genetics. If asthma presents after age 12 , the cause is more likely to be environmentally induced.

What is COPD in medical terms?

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed flow of air from the lungs. The disease is progressive in nature and typically will worsen over time. The most common cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. COPD is increasingly being used to document lung disease. The coder must review the record for further specificity of the disease.

Is asthma a specific type of asthma?

Unspecified asthma isn’t a specific type of asthma, so no additional code would be assigned for unspecified asthma. If the unspecified asthma is documented to be in exacerbation it would be coded in addition to the COPD.

Is asthma a COPD?

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions of COPD. COPD can also be further clarified to be with acute exacerbation. Asthma is an inflammatory condition in which the airways narrow and swell and extra mucous is produced. There is no cure for asthma and symptoms may be prevented by avoiding triggers and by the use ...

Does exacerbation of asthma describe COPD?

If the documentation supports that the patient has a specific type of asthma documented and COPD, both codes could be reported. An example would be documentation in ...

When should chronic conditions be reported?

Chronic conditions should be reported on each visit when they are under treatment or are systemic medical conditions. Chronic systemic conditions should be reported even in the absence of intervention or further evaluation.

What happens if secondary diagnoses are not reported?

If secondary diagnoses are not reported, then HCC’s are not captured for the claim. This may impact reimbursement and quality measure statistics. Below are several websites that are available and that go into great detail about what HCC’s are, how they are calculated, and why they are important.

What is the final impression by the physician?

The final impression by the physician is COPD exacerbation. In this case, a code for the COPD exacerbation would be reported as well as “Z” codes for personal history of pneumonia, history of smoking, and family history of lung cancer and colon cancer.

Why do you report secondary diagnosis?

Another reason to report all secondary diagnosis, history and status codes is to confirm medical necessity. Some payors will deny tests done outpatient if the medical necessity is not met. Many times medical necessity is determined by the ICD-10-CM codes reported on the outpatient claim. For example, if an EKG is done on a patient in an encounter for outpatient fracture repair, and the chronic atrial fibrillation is not coded as a secondary diagnosis by the coder, the EKG charge/reimbursement could be denied by the payor. There are also many other examples, such as a patient getting extended laboratory tests because they are on long term anticoagulants such as Coumadin. It is very important that all secondary diagnosis/status/history codes be reported on the outpatient claim.

Can't describe HCC?

If you can’t describe what HCC’s are, it is recommended that you review some of the websites above and become familiar with these. If you know the why things are reported it is easier to remember to report them. Coders must review the entire outpatient encounter rather than only focusing on the reason for the visit.

Can a code be reported on a radiology report?

Coders may report confirmed diagnoses on radiology and pathology reports (except for incidental findings) “Z” codes help paint the entire health picture for the patient. If there is a specific code for a past or family condition, it will most likely always be reported. Code only confirmed diagnosis on outpatient encounters.

What is the diagnosis of asthma?

Diagnosis. The diagnosis of work-related asthma is based on a combination of medical and exposure history, physical exam, and medical tests ( e.g., pulmonary function tests).

How long after work can asthma be detected?

Evaluate the temporal relationship between clinical symptoms and the patient’s work schedule. Symptoms of work-related asthma can occur at work in response to an exposure or might be delayed, occurring several hours after work, such as in the evening. Symptoms of severe work-related asthma might not improve enough away from work for ...

What is the purpose of a serologic test?

Serologic testing to measure IgE antibodies for specific allergens. Skin prick, patch, or intradermal testing to look for allergic reactions to specific substances. Some medical conditions can make asthma worse. In some cases, other tests are needed to evaluate for gastroesophogeal reflux and rhinosinusitis.

How often should you record peak expiratory flow?

The patient can be instructed on the use of the peak flow meter and asked to record their peak expiratory flow four times a day on days off and on workdays (before work, during work, after work and before going to bed). These measurements should be collected in a journal over several weeks for best interpretations. Click here#N#Cdc-pdf#N#PDF#N#External#N#file_external#N#for an example of a peak expiratory flow rate diary. Many peak flow meters automatically record measurements with date and time information, which can be downloaded at the caregiver’s office for review.

Does fractional exhaled nitric oxide rule out asthma?

Increased fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels support the diagnosis of allergic asthma but does not differentiate between work-related asthma and non-work-related. A normal fractional exhaled nitric oxide level does not rule out work-related asthma.