ICD-10 Coding for Parainfluenza Virus Infection(B34.8, J20.4, J12.2, J21.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Parainfluenza Virus Infection. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Parainfluenza Virus Infection
Viral infection of unspecified site
Used for unspecified viral infections, including parainfluenza when no specific site is documented.
J12-J18Primary Range
Pneumonia due to viruses
Includes pneumonia caused by parainfluenza virus, specifically coded under J12.2.
Acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis
Covers acute bronchitis (J20.4) and bronchiolitis (J21.8) due to parainfluenza virus.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| B34.8 | Viral infection of unspecified site | Use when parainfluenza infection is confirmed but no specific site is documented. |
|
| J20.4 | Acute bronchitis due to parainfluenza virus | Use when acute bronchitis is confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza virus. |
|
| J12.2 | Pneumonia due to parainfluenza virus | Use when pneumonia is confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza virus. |
|
| J21.8 | Acute bronchiolitis due to other specified organisms | Use when bronchiolitis is confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza virus. |
|
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 parainfluenza virus
Essential facts and insights about Parainfluenza Virus Infection
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for parainfluenza virus
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Parainfluenza virus confirmed without specific site documentation
Applicable To
- Parainfluenza virus infection, unspecified site
Excludes
- Specific site infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR or antigen test confirming parainfluenza virus
Code-Specific Risks
- May lead to undercoding if specific site is documented but not coded.
Coding Notes
- Ensure no specific site is documented before using this code.
J20.4 - Acute bronchitis due to parainfluenza virus
Use when acute bronchitis is confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza virus.
Applicable To
- Acute bronchitis confirmed as parainfluenza-related
Excludes
- Chronic bronchitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR or antigen test confirming parainfluenza virus
- Clinical documentation of acute bronchitis
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies parainfluenza as the causative organism.
J12.2 - Pneumonia due to parainfluenza virus
Use when pneumonia is confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza virus.
Applicable To
- Parainfluenza pneumonia
Excludes
- Pneumonia due to other specified organisms
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR or antigen test confirming parainfluenza virus
- Imaging confirming pneumonia
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation includes both clinical and laboratory confirmation.
J21.8 - Acute bronchiolitis due to other specified organisms
Use when bronchiolitis is confirmed to be caused by parainfluenza virus.
Applicable To
- Acute bronchiolitis due to parainfluenza virus
Excludes
- Bronchiolitis due to RSV
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR or antigen test confirming parainfluenza virus
- Clinical documentation of bronchiolitis
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies parainfluenza as the causative organism.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Viral agent as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
B97.8Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Influenza with respiratory manifestations
J11.0Acute bronchitis, unspecified
J20.9Viral pneumonia, unspecified
J12.9Acute bronchiolitis due to RSV
J21.0Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Parainfluenza Virus Infection to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code B34.8.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document test results confirming the organism., Use templates that prompt for specific organism documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Reduces data accuracy for epidemiological tracking.
Mitigation Strategy
Use site-specific codes like J20.4 or J12.2 when the site is documented.
Impact
Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports the most specific code available.
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 Parainfluenza Virus Infection, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Parainfluenza Virus Infection
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Parainfluenza Virus Infection. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute Bronchitis due to Parainfluenza
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- Patient symptoms
- PCR test results
- Clinical diagnosis
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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