ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45.20

J45.20

Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated, is characterized by episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing that occur less than twice a week and do not interfere with daily activities. The respiratory system, particularly the bronchi and bronchioles, is affected by inflammation and hyperreactivity to various stimuli, including allergens, irritants, and respiratory infections. The disease progression is typically mild, with patients experiencing intermittent symptoms that can be managed with short-acting bronchodilators as needed. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and spirometry to assess lung function. Patients may also undergo allergy testing to identify triggers. It is crucial to differentiate mild intermittent asthma from other respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more severe forms of asthma, to ensure appropriate management and treatment plans.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Low

Low Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Low, as symptoms are often straightforward and easily identifiable.
  • Treatment complexity: Low, typically managed with rescue inhalers and minimal long-term medication.
  • Documentation requirements: Moderate, requiring clear documentation of symptoms and triggers.
  • Coding specificity: High, as J45.20 specifically identifies mild intermittent asthma without complications.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of asthma severity or failure to document intermittent nature.
  • Documentation gaps: Lack of detailed symptom history or trigger identification.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not clearly support the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: Allergy and Immunology

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

Mild intermittent asthma affects a significant portion of the population, particularly children and young adults. Understanding and managing this condition is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing healthcare utilization. Effective management can lead to fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations, ultimately enhancing population health outcomes. Epidemiologically, asthma prevalence varies by region and demographic factors, highlighting the need for targeted public health initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Mild intermittent asthma affects a significant portion of the population, particularly children and young adults. Understanding and managing this condition is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing healthcare utilization. Effective management can lead to fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations, ultimately enhancing population health outcomes. Epidemiologically, asthma prevalence varies by region and demographic factors, highlighting the need for targeted public health initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis aligns with the services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate the intermittent nature of the condition. It is essential to maintain clear records of patient encounters, treatment plans, and any prescribed medications to support claims effectively. Adhering to coding best practices, such as using the most specific code available, can help minimize billing challenges.

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 J45.20?

J45.20 covers mild intermittent asthma characterized by infrequent symptoms that do not disrupt daily activities. It includes patients who experience wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath less than twice a week without nighttime awakenings or the need for daily medication.

When should J45.20 be used instead of related codes?

J45.20 should be used when a patient exhibits mild intermittent asthma symptoms without complications or exacerbations. If symptoms become more frequent or severe, or if there are complications, codes such as J45.21 or J45.22 should be considered.

What documentation supports J45.20?

Documentation should include a detailed history of symptoms, frequency of episodes, any identified triggers, and results from spirometry or other lung function tests. Clear evidence that symptoms are intermittent and uncomplicated is essential.