Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: What is the ICD-9 for lower respiratory infection?

Answer: No "catchall" ICD-9 code describes lower respiratory infection.

What happens: When the physician evaluates the patient, he determines what part of the patient's respiratory system is affected by infection, such as the bronchial tree or the larynx. When the physician suspects a condition affecting the lungs or "lower respiratory system," such as pneumonia, he further identifies the condition by the use of x-ray. Based on the physician's documentation on the results of the xray, you should be able to identify the specific condition and consequently the ICD-9 (for example, 466.0, Acute bronchitis; or 481, Pneumococcal pneumonia).