Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Our ENT documented that a patient has long COVID. Which ICD-10-CM codes should I report?

California Subscriber

Answer: For an unspecified post-COVID-19 condition, such as long COVID, use code U09.9 (Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified), Medicare clarifies in the July 7, 2022, MLN Connects^® newsletter. For additional specifics on reporting COVID-19, the agency directs you to Section I.C.1.g.1.m, Post COVID-19 Condition, of the 2022 ICD-10-CM guidelines, which remains unchanged for 2023.

That section states, “For sequela of COVID-19, or associated symptoms or conditions that develop following a previous COVID-19 infection, assign a code(s) for the specific symptom(s) or condition(s) related to the previous COVID-19 infection, if known” and U09.9. Codes for sequelae may include R06.02 (Shortness of breath) if the patient is dyspneic, R43.0 (Anosmia) if they have partial or complete loss of smell, or R43.8 (Other disturbances of smell and taste) for a mixed disturbance of smell and taste.