Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: I have a report listing a patient’s diagnosis as severe persistent asthma, status asthmaticus. I’m new to coding and I cannot remember what status asthmaticus means.>

Could you help me identify the correct code?>

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: Based on the information you’ve provided, you’ll assign J45.52 (Severe persistent asthma with status asthmaticus) to report the documented diagnosis.

Status asthmaticus is an acute flare-up of the patient’s asthma that doesn’t respond to bronchodilators initially. The condition is very dangerous and requires urgent medical attention. A patient experiencing status asthmaticus may be agitated, confused, be unable to talk in complete sentences, be unable to focus, or even have a bluish tint to their lips. All these signs can be indicative of respiratory failure.

To locate the correct code, turn to the ICD-10-CM Alphabetic Index and search for Asthma > severe persistent > with > status asthmaticus, which provides you with J45.52. You’ll then verify the code in the Tabular List. Just remember that status asthmaticus is not only assigned to “severe persistent asthma.” It can exist with mild and moderate persistent asthma as well as mild intermittent asthma. Be sure to confirm the documentation to select the correct stage and duration of the asthma.