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

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

Also known as:

Nut AllergyAnaphylaxis due to Tree Nuts

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tree Nut Allergy

T78.0-T78.1Primary Range

Anaphylactic and other adverse reactions

Covers anaphylactic reactions specifically due to allergens, including tree nuts.

Personal history of allergy to other agents

Used for documenting history of allergies without current symptoms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T78.05XAAnaphylactic reaction due to tree nuts, initial encounterUse for active anaphylactic reactions to tree nuts.
  • Documented hypotension
  • Bronchospasm
  • Urticaria
  • + 1 more
Z91.018Personal history of other allergies, not elsewhere classifiedUse for documenting history of tree nut allergy without current symptoms.
  • No acute symptoms
  • Patient carries epinephrine

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 tree nut allergy

Essential facts and insights about Tree Nut Allergy

The ICD-10 code for anaphylactic reaction due to tree nuts is T78.05XA, while Z91.018 is used for history of tree nut allergy.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tree nut allergy

Anaphylactic reaction due to tree nuts, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of systemic symptoms after tree nut exposure.

Applicable To

  • Anaphylaxis due to walnuts
  • Anaphylaxis due to pecans

Excludes

  • Anaphylactic reaction due to peanuts (T78.01)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented hypotension
  • Bronchospasm
  • Urticaria
  • Epinephrine administration

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding for peanuts instead of tree nuts.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the specific tree nut involved.

Ancillary Codes

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

Urticaria, unspecified

L50.9
Use to document urticaria as a symptom of anaphylaxis.

Differential Codes

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

Anaphylactic reaction due to peanuts

T78.01
Use for reactions specifically due to peanuts, not tree nuts.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tree Nut Allergy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T78.05XA.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask and document the specific nut involved., Review patient history for previous reactions.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of allergy data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use T78.05 for known tree nut allergies.

Impact

Risk of audits due to non-specific allergy documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all allergy documentation includes specific allergens and reactions.

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

Documentation Templates for Tree Nut Allergy

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

Emergency Department Visit for Anaphylaxis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Allergen identification
  • Symptoms description
  • Treatment administered
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient presented with anaphylaxis after walnut ingestion, treated with epinephrine.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient allergic to nuts, given Benadryl.
Good Documentation Example
Patient had anaphylaxis after walnut ingestion, treated with epinephrine 0.3mg IM.
Explanation
The good example specifies the allergen and treatment, improving clarity and coding accuracy.

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

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