ICD-10 Coding for Mild Intermittent Asthma(J45.20, J45.21, J45.22)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Mild Intermittent Asthma. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Mild Intermittent Asthma
J45.2Primary Range
Mild intermittent asthma
This range includes all codes for mild intermittent asthma, specifying complications such as exacerbation or status asthmaticus.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J45.20 | Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated | Use when mild intermittent asthma is diagnosed without any exacerbation or status asthmaticus. |
|
| J45.21 | Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation | Use when mild intermittent asthma is accompanied by an acute exacerbation. |
|
| J45.22 | Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus | Use when mild intermittent asthma progresses to status asthmaticus. |
|
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 mild intermittent asthma
Essential facts and insights about Mild Intermittent Asthma
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for mild intermittent asthma
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Symptoms occur ≤2 days/week and nighttime awakenings ≤2x/month.
Applicable To
- Mild intermittent asthma without complications
Excludes
- Asthma with persistent symptoms
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Symptoms occur ≤2 days/week
- Nighttime awakenings ≤2x/month
- FEV1 ≥80% predicted
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of undercoding if exacerbation is present but not documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'mild intermittent' to avoid using unspecified codes.
J45.21 - Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
Use when mild intermittent asthma is accompanied by an acute exacerbation.
Applicable To
- Mild intermittent asthma with acute exacerbation
Excludes
- Asthma with status asthmaticus
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Increased wheezing
- ≥3 SABA doses/24hrs
- Decreased PEF
Coding Notes
Document exacerbation triggers and symptoms clearly.
J45.22 - Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus
Use when mild intermittent asthma progresses to status asthmaticus.
Applicable To
- Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus
Excludes
- Asthma with acute exacerbation only
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Severe, prolonged asthma attack
- Requires emergency intervention
Coding Notes
Document the severity and duration of the attack.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mild Intermittent Asthma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J45.20.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Use structured templates for documentation., Train staff on documentation requirements.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of health data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific severity of asthma.
Impact
Inadequate documentation of asthma severity can lead to audit findings.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes specific asthma severity and any complications.
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 expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Mild Intermittent Asthma
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Mild Intermittent Asthma. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Ambulatory visit for asthma exacerbation
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Symptom frequency
- Exacerbation triggers
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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