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ICD-10 Coding for Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation(J45.21)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Mild Intermittent Asthma with Acute Exacerbation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation

J45.2-J45.9Primary Range

Asthma and its subcategories

This range includes all asthma types, with J45.21 specifically for mild intermittent asthma with exacerbation.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for mild intermittent asthma with exacerbation

Essential facts and insights about Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation

The ICD-10 code for mild intermittent asthma with exacerbation is J45.21, used for acute exacerbations in mild intermittent cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for mild intermittent asthma with exacerbation

Mild intermittent asthma with acute exacerbation
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute exacerbation symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed documentation of exacerbation and triggers

Applicable To

  • Mild intermittent asthma with exacerbation

Excludes

  • Asthma with status asthmaticus (J45.22)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented acute exacerbation with increased symptoms
  • Spirometry showing FEV1 ≥80% predicted
  • Increased use of rescue inhaler during exacerbation

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as unspecified asthma
  • Failure to document exacerbation details

Coding Notes

  • Ensure detailed documentation of symptoms and triggers to support the use of J45.21.

Ancillary Codes

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

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use when the patient has been exposed to tobacco smoke.

Allergic rhinitis due to pollen

J30.1
Use if the exacerbation is triggered by pollen.

Differential Codes

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

Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus

J45.22
Use J45.22 when the exacerbation does not respond to initial treatment and requires intensive therapy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J45.21.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about and document potential triggers, Include environmental exposure details

Impact

Reimbursement: Lower reimbursement rates due to unspecified codes., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting clinical decision-making.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the type and severity of asthma, such as J45.21 for mild intermittent with exacerbation.

Impact

Using unspecified codes instead of specific ones like J45.21.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on the importance of specific coding and provide regular training.

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 Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Visit

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Asthma severity classification
  • Exacerbation symptoms
  • Trigger identification
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

Patient presents with mild intermittent asthma exacerbation after pollen exposure, treated with albuterol.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Asthma flare-up
Good Documentation Example
Mild intermittent asthma with acute exacerbation due to pollen exposure, treated with albuterol.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the asthma type, exacerbation, and treatment.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Mild Intermittent Asthma with Exacerbation? Ask your questions below.

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