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ICD-10 Coding for Bronchitis with Bronchospasm(J20.9)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bronchitis with Bronchospasm. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Acute Bronchitis with BronchospasmBronchospasm with Bronchitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bronchitis with Bronchospasm

J20-J22Primary Range

Other acute lower respiratory infections

This range includes codes for acute bronchitis and related conditions, including bronchospasm.

Asthma

Relevant when asthma is a contributing factor to bronchospasm.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bronchitis with bronchospasm

Essential facts and insights about Bronchitis with Bronchospasm

The ICD-10 code for acute bronchitis with bronchospasm is J20.9.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bronchitis with bronchospasm

Acute bronchitis, unspecified
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of wheezing and response to bronchodilators

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'acute bronchitis with bronchospasm' in medical records

Applicable To

  • Acute bronchitis with bronchospasm

Excludes

  • Chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
  • Asthma with acute exacerbation (J45.901)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Wheezing on auscultation
  • Spirometry showing FEV1/FVC ratio < 70% post-bronchodilator
  • Chest X-ray negative for pneumonia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of unspecified coding if bronchospasm is not documented
  • Potential for denial if tobacco exposure is not coded

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation explicitly links bronchospasm to acute bronchitis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute bronchospasm

J98.01
Use as a secondary code when bronchospasm is documented without confirmed bronchitis.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified asthma with acute exacerbation

J45.901
Use when asthma is the primary condition with bronchospasm.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bronchitis with Bronchospasm to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J20.9.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete patient history affecting treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about and document smoking status., Use standardized forms to capture tobacco use.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing may lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data representation affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Code J20.9 first if bronchitis is the primary cause.

Impact

Coding bronchospasm without linking to acute bronchitis.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate providers on documentation requirements.

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 Bronchitis with Bronchospasm, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bronchitis with Bronchospasm

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bronchitis with Bronchospasm. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute bronchitis with bronchospasm in an emergency department

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Patient history including recent respiratory infections
  • Physical exam findings such as wheezing
  • Spirometry results
  • Response to bronchodilators

Example Documentation

Assessment: Acute bronchitis with bronchospasm. Findings: Wheezing on auscultation, FEV1/FVC ratio < 70% post-bronchodilator. Response: Improved with albuterol.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Bronchitis with breathing issues.
Good Documentation Example
Acute bronchitis with bronchospasm evidenced by wheezing and improved with albuterol.
Explanation
The good example specifies the condition and links symptoms to treatment response.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bronchitis with Bronchospasm? Ask your questions below.

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