ICD-10 Coding for Pneumonitis(J69.0, J67.9, J70.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Pneumonitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Pneumonitis
J67-J70Primary Range
Pneumonitis due to external agents
This range includes codes for pneumonitis caused by various external factors such as inhalation of substances, radiation, and hypersensitivity reactions.
Pneumonitis due to solids and liquids
This range covers pneumonitis resulting from aspiration of food, vomit, and other substances.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J69.0 | Pneumonitis due to inhalation of food and vomit | Use when pneumonitis is due to aspiration of food or vomit. |
|
| J67.9 | Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, unspecified | Use for pneumonitis due to hypersensitivity reactions. |
|
| J70.0 | Acute radiation pneumonitis | Use for acute pneumonitis following radiation therapy. |
|
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 pneumonitis due to aspiration
Essential facts and insights about Pneumonitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for pneumonitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of aspiration event with witnessed choking
Applicable To
- Aspiration pneumonia
Excludes
- Bacterial pneumonia (J18.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Bronchoscopy showing food particles
- pH <5 in BAL fluid
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification as bacterial pneumonia
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies the substance aspirated.
J67.9 - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, unspecified
Use for pneumonitis due to hypersensitivity reactions.
Applicable To
- Farmer's lung
- Bird fancier's lung
Excludes
- Asthma (J45.-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Serum precipitins
- HRCT showing mosaic attenuation
Coding Notes
Document antigen exposure and specific IgG antibodies.
J70.0 - Acute radiation pneumonitis
Use for acute pneumonitis following radiation therapy.
Applicable To
- Radiation-induced lung injury
Excludes
- Chronic radiation pneumonitis (J70.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- RT plan showing lung dose >20Gy
- PET SUV >2.5 in radiation field
Coding Notes
Document RT fields, dose, and temporal relationship to symptoms.
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 Pneumonitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J69.0.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document the specific cause of pneumonitis., Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure T17.91XA is used for foreign body aspiration.
Impact
Reimbursement: Potential for incorrect DRG assignment., Compliance: Risk of audit discrepancies., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Verify and document the cause of pneumonia clearly.
Impact
Risk of incorrect coding due to lack of specificity in documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Implement detailed documentation templates and regular coder 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 Pneumonitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Pneumonitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Pneumonitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Aspiration Pneumonitis
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- Description of aspiration event
- Imaging findings
- Bronchoscopy results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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