Wiki Severe asthma

[kathleenl]

Good Morning,

I am in search of the best code to use for "severe asthma". The patient is steroid dependent and has frequent exacerbations. This is all the physician has documented regarding a diagnosis. He is performing bronchial thermoplasty (31660) and we are having trouble getting paid from some insurance carriers using 493.90. I am trying to help appeal the denials, but without a better diagnosis code, I don't think it will be successful with the carriers that do not consider this procedure experimental.

Any help / guidance is appreciated.

Thank you
Kathleen

 

[tharal]

Please quiry the physician and ask whether the asthma is exacerbated during this encounter, if not I think there is no other code to indicate severe asthma than 493.90, this is just my opinion..someone please look and clarify...

Thara L CPC H

 

[kak6]

My self i would think you could defend 493.92 (exacerbation) when the provider is performing 31660 for the pt.