Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Mucopurulent Chronic Bronchitis(J41.1)

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

Also known as:

Chronic Bronchitis with Mucopurulent Sputum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Mucopurulent Chronic Bronchitis

J40-J47Primary Range

Chronic lower respiratory diseases

This range includes codes for chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for mucopurulent chronic bronchitis

Essential facts and insights about Mucopurulent Chronic Bronchitis

The ICD-10 code for mucopurulent chronic bronchitis is J41.1, used when chronic bronchitis is characterized by mucopurulent sputum without obstruction.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for mucopurulent chronic bronchitis

Mucopurulent chronic bronchitis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of mucopurulent sputum for at least 3 months

coding Criteria

  • No documented airway obstruction

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit mention of 'mucopurulent' in clinical notes

Applicable To

  • Chronic bronchitis with mucopurulent sputum

Excludes

  • Chronic bronchitis NOS (J42)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (J44.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Chronic cough with mucopurulent sputum for at least 3 months
  • Sputum culture showing pus or pathogens
  • Spirometry showing no obstruction (FEV1/FVC ≥70%)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with COPD codes if obstruction is not clearly documented
  • Omission of tobacco use codes when applicable

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'mucopurulent' to avoid defaulting to J42.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of nicotine dependence

Z87.891
Use when there is a history of tobacco use.

Contact with and (suspected) exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

Z77.22
Use when there is documented exposure to secondhand smoke.

Differential Codes

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

Simple chronic bronchitis

J41.0
Use J41.0 if sputum is clear and not purulent.

COPD with acute exacerbation

J44.1
Use J44.1 if there is documented airway obstruction.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Mucopurulent Chronic Bronchitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J41.1.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete patient history, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for related conditions

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about and document smoking status.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to inappropriate DRG assignment., Compliance: Misclassification can result in audit discrepancies., Data Quality: Impacts accuracy of patient records and data analytics.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies absence of obstruction for J41.1.

Impact

Failure to document specific sputum details can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for documenting respiratory conditions.

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

Documentation Templates for Mucopurulent Chronic Bronchitis

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

Chronic bronchitis with mucopurulent sputum

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Duration of symptoms
  • Sputum characteristics
  • Smoking history

Example Documentation

Patient presents with a 5-month history of daily mucopurulent sputum production. No wheezing on auscultation. Current smoker (1 pack/day x 20 years).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has chronic bronchitis. Continue inhalers.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with 5-month history of daily mucopurulent sputum production, no wheezing on auscultation. Spirometry shows FEV1/FVC 70%, no obstruction. Current smoker (1 pack/day x 20 years).
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the sputum, duration, and smoking history, supporting the use of J41.1.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more