Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Use Respiratory Dx for Wheezing

Published on Wed Mar 28, 2007

Question: Concerning coding of acute bronchospasm (519.11), when is it appropriate to simply report 786.07 for wheezing?


Florida Subscriber


Answer: The best code for -wheezing- or what allergists call -wheezing associated respiratory illness- (WARI) is the new five-digit ICD-9 code 519.11  (Acute bronchospasm).

Although 786.07 states -wheezing,- the code refers to stenosis of respiratory passages. Code 519.11 is more specific for bronchospasm.

Allergists commonly use the diagnosis of WARI for patients with wheezing, not meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of asthma. An example of -WARI- is a child with an upper respiratory infection (URI) who is having his first episode of associated wheezing, requiring treatment of bronchospasm. This would typically not warrant labeling a child with -asthma,- using ICD-9 code 493.02 (Extrinsic asthma; with [acute] exacerbation).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All