Acute bronchiolitis, unspecified
ICD-10 J21.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis, unspecified.
Acute bronchiolitis, unspecified, is a common respiratory condition primarily affecting infants and young children, characterized by inflammation of the bronchioles, the small air passages in the lungs. Clinically, it presents with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, often following a viral upper respiratory infection. The most common causative agents are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viral pathogens. The anatomy involved includes the bronchioles, which become obstructed due to inflammation and mucus production, leading to impaired airflow and gas exchange. Disease progression can vary; while many children recover within a week, some may develop severe respiratory distress requiring hospitalization. Diagnostic considerations include clinical evaluation of symptoms, history of exposure to respiratory infections, and, in some cases, chest X-rays or viral testing to rule out other conditions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to differentiate acute bronchiolitis from other respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or pneumonia, which may require different management strategies.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
J21.9 covers acute bronchiolitis that is not specified by the causative agent. It includes cases where the exact virus is unknown or when multiple viruses are involved, but does not include chronic conditions or other respiratory diseases.
J21.9 should be used when the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis is made without specification of the causative agent or when the clinical presentation aligns with bronchiolitis but does not meet the criteria for more specific codes.
Documentation should include a thorough clinical assessment, history of present illness, physical examination findings, and any relevant laboratory or imaging results that support the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis.
