ICD-10 Coding for Food Allergies(Z91.010, T78.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Food Allergies. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Food Allergies
Z91.01-Z91.018Primary Range
Personal history of allergy to specific foods
Used to document a patient's known allergy status to specific foods.
Adverse effects, not elsewhere classified
Used for acute allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Allergic and dietetic gastroenteritis and colitis
Used for gastrointestinal manifestations of food allergies.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z91.010 | Peanut allergy | Use when documenting a known peanut allergy without an active reaction. |
|
| T78.0 | Anaphylactic reaction due to peanuts | Use during an active anaphylactic event due to peanuts. |
|
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 peanut allergy
Essential facts and insights about Food Allergies
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for food allergies
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed IgE-mediated allergy to peanuts.
Applicable To
- Allergy to peanuts
Excludes
- Anaphylactic reaction due to peanuts (T78.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented IgE-mediated allergy confirmed by skin prick test or sIgE levels.
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure documentation specifies peanut allergy and not a general nut allergy.
Coding Notes
- Ensure allergy status is confirmed and documented.
T78.0 - Anaphylactic reaction due to peanuts
Use during an active anaphylactic event due to peanuts.
Applicable To
- Anaphylaxis due to peanuts
Excludes
- Peanut allergy without anaphylaxis (Z91.010)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documented acute anaphylactic reaction requiring treatment.
Coding Notes
Sequence T78.0 first in case of anaphylactic reaction.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Food Allergies to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z91.010.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify the allergen and confirm with testing., Use templates to ensure complete documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Use Z91.01X for known allergy status without active reaction.
Impact
Incomplete documentation of allergen specifics.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates and confirm allergen with testing.
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 Food Allergies, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Food Allergies
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Food Allergies. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Allergy Specialty Progress Note
Specialty: Allergy and ImmunologyRequired Elements
- Patient name
- Specific allergens
- Diagnostic evidence
- Current management
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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