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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA37.81

A37.81

Whooping cough due to other Bordetella species with pneumonia

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A37.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of whooping cough due to other bordetella species with pneumonia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is primarily caused by Bordetella pertussis, but can also be caused by other Bordetella species, such as Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella holmesii. This condition is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to difficulty breathing, particularly in infants and young children. When pneumonia is present, it indicates a more severe manifestation of the infection, often requiring hospitalization. The clinical presentation includes paroxysmal coughing, inspiratory whoop, and post-tussive vomiting. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through PCR testing or culture of respiratory secretions. Treatment involves antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, which are most effective when administered early in the course of the disease. Supportive care, including hydration and oxygen therapy, may be necessary for patients with pneumonia. The emergence of antibiotic resistance among Bordetella species is a growing concern, necessitating careful selection of treatment protocols and monitoring of resistance patterns.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation between Bordetella species
  • Presence of pneumonia complicating the diagnosis
  • Need for precise documentation of clinical symptoms
  • Potential for co-infections with other respiratory pathogens

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the specific Bordetella species
  • Failure to document the presence of pneumonia
  • Misclassification of the severity of the illness
  • Inconsistent coding of associated symptoms

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of cough, vaccination status, and clinical findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with severe cough and respiratory distress.

Billing Considerations

Documentation of vaccination history and exposure to infected individuals is crucial.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Laboratory confirmation of Bordetella species and clinical assessment of pneumonia.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Adults with atypical presentations of whooping cough and pneumonia.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of antibiotic resistance patterns and alternative treatment options.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A37.81 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the causative Bordetella species and the presence of pneumonia
  • Include any relevant clinical findings and treatment details

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A37.81 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits after diagnosis of whooping cough.

Documentation Requirements

Document clinical findings, treatment response, and any changes in symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Pediatricians should ensure vaccination history is included.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of whooping cough cases, including differentiation between Bordetella species and the presence of pneumonia, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of whooping cough cases, including differentiation between Bordetella species and the presence of pneumonia, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of whooping cough cases, including differentiation between Bordetella species and the presence of pneumonia, improving data accuracy and treatment tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Pertussis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Pertussis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary treatment for whooping cough due to Bordetella species?

The primary treatment includes antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, especially if administered early in the course of the disease.