Wiki Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis

[Mmljar]

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: Would that be 491.21 even though the physician did not specify "obstructive"?

Thank you!

 

[jbaird]

I would not use the obstructive code unless that is stated. I would use the 491.9. You don't want to be the one diagnosing them with COPD if they don't have it in their medical records.

 

[Mmljar]

Thank you!

 

[junebug1969]

I agree that I wouldn't code COPD unless it is documented; however, I think the "acute exacerbation" would cause me to query the physician. I don't think I've ever seen that outside of a COPD patient when referring to bronchitis. Just a thought...