Practice Management Alert

Question: What is the proper ICD-10 code for swine flu?

Oregon Subscriber

Answer: The exact ICD-10 code for swine flu depends on other factors. For swine flu, look to ICD-10 code category J09.XX (Influenza due to certain identified influenza viruses). This is the ICD-10 code set for “novel” viruses. These novel viruses include avian influenza, bird influenza, influenza of other animal origin, and swine influenza.

Each of the code subsets mentioned are further defined by the associated manifestations including: with pneumonia, with other respiratory manifestations, with gastrointestinal manifestations, and with other manifestations. Documentation should include the manifestations associated with the influenza.

For example, under J09.xx, you will find the following more specific codes:

• J09.X1 Influenza due to identified novel influenza A virus with pneumonia
• J09.X2 … with other respiratory manifestations
• J09.X3 … with gastrointestinal manifestations
• J09.X9 … with other manifestations

Best bet: Get more encounter specifics before choosing your swine flu codes.