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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ12.2

J12.2

Parainfluenza virus pneumonia

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J12.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of parainfluenza virus pneumonia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Parainfluenza virus pneumonia is a viral infection of the lungs caused by the parainfluenza virus, which is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as cough, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, often resembling other viral pneumonia presentations. The parainfluenza virus primarily affects the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and consolidation in the lung tissue. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing mild symptoms while others may develop severe respiratory distress, particularly in young children or immunocompromised individuals. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests such as PCR or viral cultures to confirm the presence of the parainfluenza virus. Radiological imaging, like chest X-rays, may show infiltrates or consolidation consistent with pneumonia. Early identification and management are crucial to prevent complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires specific viral testing and differentiation from bacterial pneumonia.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve supportive care and, in severe cases, antiviral therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and laboratory results are essential for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: J12.2 is specific to parainfluenza virus pneumonia, necessitating precise documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying viral pneumonia as bacterial pneumonia.
  • Documentation gaps: Lack of viral testing results or insufficient clinical detail.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Infectious Disease

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

Pulmonology

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

Parainfluenza virus pneumonia significantly impacts public health, particularly among children and immunocompromised individuals. The disease can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospitalizations and emergency visits, especially during outbreaks. Understanding the epidemiology of this viral pneumonia aids in developing preventive strategies and improving quality measures in respiratory care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Parainfluenza virus pneumonia significantly impacts public health, particularly among children and immunocompromised individuals. The disease can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospitalizations and emergency visits, especially during outbreaks. Understanding the epidemiology of this viral pneumonia aids in developing preventive strategies and improving quality measures in respiratory care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for clear evidence of the viral etiology, as payers may deny claims lacking sufficient documentation. Common denials may arise from insufficient clinical detail or misclassification of the pneumonia type. Best practices include ensuring all relevant clinical notes, lab results, and imaging studies are included in the patient's medical record to support the diagnosis and facilitate smooth claims processing.

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 J12.2?

J12.2 specifically covers pneumonia caused by the parainfluenza virus. It is important to differentiate this from other viral pneumonias and bacterial pneumonias, as treatment and management may differ.

When should J12.2 be used instead of related codes?

J12.2 should be used when the pneumonia is confirmed to be caused by the parainfluenza virus, as indicated by laboratory testing. If the pneumonia is due to another virus or is unspecified, other codes should be considered.

What documentation supports J12.2?

Documentation should include clinical symptoms, laboratory test results confirming parainfluenza virus infection, and any imaging studies that support the diagnosis of pneumonia.