Wiki ICD 10 code for Mucus plugging in pulmonology help

[Strumble]

Hello,
What is the correct code please?

I am always confused which to code 1) excessive sputum (R09.3 or 2) Other Foreign Object in Other Parts of Respiratory Tract causing aspiration. I feel that 2) referring to "foreign object" is inaccurate because mucous isn't a foreign object, IMO.

thank you,
Sandra

 

[phkansas]

HELLO, IS THERE A ICD 10 CODE FOR MUCUS PLUGGING

 

[miriambroyles]

Hello,
What is the correct code please?

I am always confused which to code 1) excessive sputum (R09.3 or 2) Other Foreign Object in Other Parts of Respiratory Tract causing aspiration. I feel that 2) referring to "foreign object" is inaccurate because mucous isn't a foreign object, IMO.

thank you,
Sandra

Good question! It depends on the final diagnostic statement. If the mucus plug is causing asphyxiation, I would code T17.990 (with the appropriate 7th character) specifying that the "other" is a mucus plug. According to the alpha index, mucus plug would be considered a foreign object. Do you have access to the coding clinic referenced at T17.990? It may shed some light too. "See also" in the alpha index leaves a lot of uncertainty IMO!