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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45.31

J45.31

Mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J45.31 refers to mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation, a condition characterized by intermittent symptoms that occur more than twice a week but less than daily, and nighttime symptoms occurring more than twice a month. The respiratory system, particularly the bronchi and bronchioles, is primarily affected, leading to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production. Patients may experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly during physical activity or exposure to allergens. Disease progression can vary; while some patients may maintain control with minimal intervention, others may experience frequent exacerbations requiring more intensive management. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and spirometry to assess lung function. Peak flow monitoring may also be utilized to evaluate the severity of asthma and the effectiveness of treatment. It is crucial to differentiate mild persistent asthma from other asthma classifications and respiratory conditions to ensure appropriate management and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive assessment of symptoms and lung function tests.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves ongoing management with inhaled corticosteroids and rescue medications.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed records of exacerbations, treatment responses, and patient education are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Accurate coding requires understanding of asthma severity and exacerbation status.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of asthma severity or exacerbation status.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of exacerbation frequency or treatment response.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for exacerbations.

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of J45.31 lies in its management of asthma, which affects millions globally, impacting quality of life and healthcare utilization. Effective management can reduce emergency visits and hospitalizations, improving population health outcomes. Quality measures often focus on asthma control and exacerbation rates, emphasizing the importance of proper coding and documentation in tracking treatment efficacy and healthcare resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of J45.31 lies in its management of asthma, which affects millions globally, impacting quality of life and healthcare utilization. Effective management can reduce emergency visits and hospitalizations, improving population health outcomes. Quality measures often focus on asthma control and exacerbation rates, emphasizing the importance of proper coding and documentation in tracking treatment efficacy and healthcare resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the documentation supports the diagnosis and reflects the severity of the condition. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of exacerbations or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for treatments. Best practices include thorough patient education records and regular follow-ups to monitor asthma control.

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 J45.31?

J45.31 specifically covers mild persistent asthma that is experiencing an acute exacerbation. This includes patients who have frequent symptoms that require additional treatment or intervention, distinguishing it from mild intermittent asthma (J45.30) and moderate or severe asthma classifications.

When should J45.31 be used instead of related codes?

J45.31 should be used when a patient with mild persistent asthma presents with an acute exacerbation, characterized by increased symptoms and the need for additional medication or intervention. It is important to differentiate this from stable asthma or other asthma severity codes.

What documentation supports J45.31?

Documentation for J45.31 should include a detailed history of asthma symptoms, frequency of exacerbations, results from spirometry or peak flow measurements, and treatment plans. Records of medication use, patient education, and follow-up visits are also essential to support the diagnosis.