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ICD-10 Coding for Nut Allergy(Z91.018, T78.05XA)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Nut Allergy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Tree Nut AllergyPeanut Allergy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Nut Allergy

Z91.0-Z91.09Primary Range

Personal history of allergy to other foods

This range includes codes for personal history of allergies to specific foods, including nuts.

Anaphylactic reaction due to adverse food reaction

This range includes codes for anaphylactic reactions due to food allergies, including nuts.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z91.018Allergy to other foods (tree nuts)Use for patients with a confirmed allergy to tree nuts.
  • Documented IgE-mediated reaction history
  • Skin test ≥3mm wheal
  • Specific IgE ≥0.35 kU/L
  • + 1 more
T78.05XAAnaphylactic reaction due to tree nutsUse for acute anaphylactic reactions specifically due to tree nuts.
  • Objective signs (hypotension, stridor, angioedema)
  • Temporal relationship to exposure
  • Exclusion of alternative diagnoses

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 nut allergy

Essential facts and insights about Nut Allergy

The ICD-10 code for a tree nut allergy is Z91.018, while anaphylactic reactions due to tree nuts are coded as T78.05XA.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for nut allergy

Allergy to other foods (tree nuts)
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed IgE-mediated reaction to tree nuts

Applicable To

  • Tree nut allergy

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented IgE-mediated reaction history
  • Skin test ≥3mm wheal
  • Specific IgE ≥0.35 kU/L
  • Positive oral challenge

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with peanut allergy
  • Using without documented confirmation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure specific nut type is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Anaphylactic reaction due to tree nuts

T78.05XA
Use alongside Z91.018 when an anaphylactic reaction occurs.

Differential Codes

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

Peanut allergy

Z91.010
Use when the allergy is specifically to peanuts, not tree nuts.

Anaphylactic reaction due to peanuts

T78.01XA
Use when the anaphylactic reaction is specifically due to peanuts.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Nut Allergy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z91.018.

Impact

Clinical: Inappropriate management and treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential billing errors.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on the differences between peanut and tree nut allergies., Use decision support tools to guide code selection.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate allergy records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the specific nut type, such as almond or walnut.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of specific allergens.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement standardized templates for allergy documentation.

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 Nut Allergy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Nut Allergy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Nut Allergy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial evaluation for nut allergy

Specialty: Allergy and Immunology

Required Elements

  • Specific nut type
  • Reaction characteristics
  • Diagnostic confirmation
  • Current management plan

Example Documentation

Allergen: Cashew Reaction Type: Anaphylaxis Diagnostic Confirmation: Skin prick test 8mm wheal Current Management: Epinephrine auto-injector prescribed

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has nut allergy.
Good Documentation Example
History of anaphylaxis following pistachio ingestion confirmed by ImmunoCAP IgE 15.2 kU/L to pistachio antigen.
Explanation
The good example specifies the nut type, reaction details, and test confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Nut Allergy? Ask your questions below.

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