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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ01.00

J01.00

Acute maxillary sinusitis, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 J01.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute maxillary sinusitis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute maxillary sinusitis, unspecified, is characterized by inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which are located in the cheek area. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and reduced sense of smell. The condition often follows a viral upper respiratory infection, leading to blockage of the sinus drainage pathways. Anatomy involved includes the maxillary sinuses, nasal cavity, and surrounding structures. Disease progression can vary; if untreated, acute sinusitis may lead to chronic sinusitis or complications such as orbital cellulitis or abscess. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough history and physical examination, and imaging studies like CT scans may be warranted in complicated cases. Laboratory tests may also be performed to identify the causative organism, especially if bacterial infection is suspected. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific etiology or severity of the sinusitis has not been determined, necessitating careful clinical evaluation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires clinical evaluation and possibly imaging.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve antibiotics, nasal corticosteroids, or surgery in severe cases.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and symptom descriptions are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Unspecified code may lead to ambiguity in treatment and billing.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misuse of unspecified codes when specific diagnoses are available.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete symptom descriptions or lack of follow-up notes.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of specificity in diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Secondary specialty: Primary care

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Acute maxillary sinusitis significantly affects population health, leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and antibiotic prescriptions. Quality measures focus on appropriate diagnosis and management to prevent complications. Epidemiologically, sinusitis is prevalent, particularly in individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies to reduce its impact on patient quality of life.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute maxillary sinusitis significantly affects population health, leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and antibiotic prescriptions. Quality measures focus on appropriate diagnosis and management to prevent complications. Epidemiologically, sinusitis is prevalent, particularly in individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies to reduce its impact on patient quality of life.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for clear evidence of medical necessity for procedures or medications prescribed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or use of unspecified codes when more specific codes are available. Best practices include thorough documentation of patient symptoms, treatment plans, and follow-up care to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of audits.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by J01.00?

J01.00 covers acute maxillary sinusitis without specifying the cause or severity. It may include cases resulting from viral infections, bacterial infections, or allergic reactions, but does not differentiate between these causes.

When should J01.00 be used instead of related codes?

J01.00 should be used when the diagnosis of acute maxillary sinusitis is confirmed but the specific cause or severity is not documented. If the condition is known to be bacterial or has specific symptoms, a more specific code should be selected.

What documentation supports J01.00?

Documentation should include a detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and any imaging results. Notes should clearly indicate the diagnosis of acute maxillary sinusitis and any treatments initiated.