ICD-10 Coding for Whooping Cough(A37.00, A37.01, A37.9)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Whooping Cough. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Whooping Cough
A37Primary Range
Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis
This range includes all codes related to whooping cough, specifying the causative organism and presence of pneumonia.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A37.00 | Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis without pneumonia | Use when Bordetella pertussis is confirmed and there is no pneumonia. |
|
| A37.01 | Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis with pneumonia | Use when Bordetella pertussis is confirmed and pneumonia is present. |
|
| A37.9 | Whooping cough, unspecified organism | Use when the organism is not specified or confirmed. |
|
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 whooping cough
Essential facts and insights about Whooping Cough
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for whooping cough
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed Bordetella pertussis without pneumonia
Applicable To
- Bordetella pertussis infection without pneumonia
Excludes
- Whooping cough with pneumonia (A37.01)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR or culture confirmation of Bordetella pertussis
- Absence of pneumonia on imaging or clinical exam
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect use without lab confirmation
Coding Notes
- Ensure lab confirmation is documented.
A37.01 - Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis with pneumonia
Use when Bordetella pertussis is confirmed and pneumonia is present.
Applicable To
- Bordetella pertussis infection with pneumonia
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PCR or culture confirmation of Bordetella pertussis
- Radiographic confirmation of pneumonia
Coding Notes
Document explicit link between pneumonia and pertussis.
A37.9 - Whooping cough, unspecified organism
Use when the organism is not specified or confirmed.
Excludes
- Specific organism identified (A37.0-A37.8)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Clinical symptoms consistent with pertussis
- No lab confirmation or epidemiologic link
Coding Notes
Use only when lab confirmation is unavailable.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Encounter for immunization
Z23Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Whooping cough, unspecified organism
A37.9Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Whooping Cough to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code A37.00.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure explicit documentation of pneumonia, Link pneumonia to pertussis in notes
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation
Mitigation Strategy
Require explicit lab documentation (e.g., 'PCR confirmed')
Impact
Lack of radiographic evidence for pneumonia
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all pneumonia cases have supporting radiographic 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 Whooping Cough, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Whooping Cough
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Whooping Cough. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pertussis with pneumonia
Specialty: PediatricsRequired Elements
- PCR confirmation
- Radiographic evidence
- Clinical symptoms
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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