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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Skip Unspecified Asthma Code

Published on Wed Apr 28, 2010

Question: My allergist's notes state, "A history of asthma-induced bronchitis." Does this mean I should report an asthma code for bronchitis?Idaho SubscriberAnswer: Code 466.0 (Acute bronchitis) may be your primary -- and possibly only -- diagnosis, if it best describes the acute condition being treated. If the patient has asthma with acute bronchitis, then code 493.02 for allergic asthma with acute bronchitis or 493.12 for intrinsic asthma with acute bronchitis. If the asthma is not that well defined, use 493.92. Try not to use an unspecified asthma code (493.9x, 493.x0) if you can avoid it.Why: Some insurers will deny unspecified asthma code 493.9x. Depending on the service you are reporting and whether the payer accepts the code, you may have to submit additional notes and ultimately have to select a specific code. Before filing the claim, get the information you need to avoid using an unspecified code.Refer to the physician's notes or [...]
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