Acute ON Chronic

[APATINO]

Hi there, I have a question in reference coding acute ON chronic respiratory failure.
As per guidelines if a condition is both acute and chronic we code first the acute them the chronic
My question since there is a code for Acute AND Chronic respiratory failure do I use that one or I coded both?
Thank you

 

[xXxPARAGONxXx]

Hi there, I have a question in reference coding acute ON chronic respiratory failure.
As per guidelines if a condition is both acute and chronic we code first the acute them the chronic
My question since there is a code for Acute AND Chronic respiratory failure do I use that one or I coded both?
Thank you

J96.2* is a combination code, which is a single code used to classify two diagnoses, or a diagnosis with an associated secondary process, or a diagnosis with an associated complication.

Per ICD-10-CM Guideline I. B. 9.,

Combination Code

A combination code is a single code used to classify:
Two diagnoses, or
A diagnosis with an associated secondary process (manifestation)
A diagnosis with an associated complication

Combination codes are identified by referring to subterm entries in the Alphabetic Index and by reading the inclusion and exclusion notes in the Tabular List.

Assign only the combination code when that code fully identifies the diagnostic conditions involved or when the Alphabetic Index so directs. Multiple coding should not be used when the classification provides a combination code that clearly identifies all of the elements documented in the diagnosis. When the combination code lacks necessary specificity in describing the manifestation or complication, an additional code should be used as a secondary code.

In accordance with the guideline, you only code J96.2* rather than coding both J96.0* and J96.1*.

By the way, if your question was more concerned with whether “acute on chronic respiratory failure” is equivalent to “acute and chronic respiratory failure”, the answer is yes, as seen in the Index (p. 177, AAPC 2024), which equates the two: