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ICD-10 Coding for Post-Viral Pneumonia(J12.82, B94.8)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Post-Viral Pneumonia. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Post-Infectious PneumoniaSequelae of Viral Pneumonia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Post-Viral Pneumonia

J12-J18Primary Range

Viral and other specified pneumonias

This range includes codes for viral pneumonias and their sequelae, which are relevant for post-viral pneumonia coding.

Sequelae of infectious and parasitic diseases

This range includes sequelae codes like B94.8, used for post-viral conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J12.82Pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019Use when pneumonia is directly due to active COVID-19 infection.
  • Positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR/antigen test
  • New infiltrates on imaging
  • Active respiratory symptoms
B94.8Sequelae of other specified infectious and parasitic diseasesUse for conditions resulting from a resolved viral infection.
  • Negative viral tests
  • Persistent lung abnormalities post-infection

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 post-viral pneumonia

Essential facts and insights about Post-Viral Pneumonia

Post-viral pneumonia is coded using B94.8 for sequelae of viral infections, following the primary code for the current condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for post-viral pneumonia

Pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Active COVID-19 infection confirmed by testing

Applicable To

  • COVID-19 pneumonia

Excludes

  • U07.1 (COVID-19, virus identified)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR/antigen test
  • New infiltrates on imaging
  • Active respiratory symptoms

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use with resolved COVID-19 cases

Coding Notes

  • Ensure active infection is documented with positive test results.

Ancillary Codes

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

COVID-19, virus identified

U07.1
Use as primary code for active COVID-19 pneumonia cases.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified viral pneumonia

J12.9
Use J12.9 when the specific virus causing pneumonia is not identified.

Personal history of COVID-19

Z86.16
Use Z86.16 for historical reference, not for active or sequelae conditions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Post-Viral Pneumonia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J12.82.

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresentation of patient status., Regulatory: Potential audit flags., Financial: Incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Review infection history, Confirm resolution with tests

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment leading to reimbursement errors., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use B94.8 for sequelae of resolved infections.

Impact

Incorrect use of active infection codes for sequelae conditions.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate coders on distinguishing active vs. resolved infections.

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 Post-Viral Pneumonia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Post-Viral Pneumonia

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Post-Viral Pneumonia. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-Viral Pneumonia Documentation

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of viral infection
  • Current respiratory symptoms
  • Imaging and lab results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with dyspnea 6 weeks post-influenza. CT shows organizing pneumonia. Diagnosis: Post-viral organizing pneumonia (J84.89), sequela of influenza (B94.8).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Pneumonia after virus.
Good Documentation Example
Organizing pneumonia secondary to resolved influenza A (PCR negative).
Explanation
The good example specifies the resolved nature of the initial infection and current condition.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Post-Viral Pneumonia? Ask your questions below.

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