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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45.32

J45.32

Mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45.32 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J45.32 refers to mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus, a severe exacerbation of asthma characterized by prolonged and acute respiratory distress. Patients typically present with wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough that may not respond to standard bronchodilator therapy. The respiratory system, particularly the bronchi and bronchioles, is affected, leading to inflammation, increased mucus production, and bronchoconstriction. Disease progression can vary; while mild persistent asthma is generally manageable, status asthmaticus represents a critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests to assess airflow obstruction. The use of peak flow meters may also help in monitoring the severity of the condition. Clinicians must differentiate between mild persistent asthma and more severe forms, as well as identify triggers that may exacerbate symptoms, such as allergens, respiratory infections, or environmental factors.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

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

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 J45.32 lies in its association with acute respiratory distress, which can lead to hospitalization and increased healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of asthma and its exacerbations is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at reducing asthma-related morbidity. Quality measures often focus on the management of asthma exacerbations, highlighting the importance of effective treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of J45.32 lies in its association with acute respiratory distress, which can lead to hospitalization and increased healthcare utilization. Understanding the epidemiology of asthma and its exacerbations is crucial for public health initiatives aimed at reducing asthma-related morbidity. Quality measures often focus on the management of asthma exacerbations, highlighting the importance of effective treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may be impacted by the severity of the exacerbation and the necessity for emergency interventions. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for the services rendered. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is included in the medical record to support the diagnosis and associated treatments.

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 J45.32?

J45.32 covers patients with mild persistent asthma who experience acute exacerbations leading to status asthmaticus. This includes symptoms that are not adequately controlled by standard asthma medications and require emergency intervention.

When should J45.32 be used instead of related codes?

J45.32 should be used when a patient with mild persistent asthma experiences a severe exacerbation requiring hospitalization or emergency treatment, distinguishing it from other asthma codes that do not involve status asthmaticus.

What documentation supports J45.32?

Documentation should include a detailed account of the patient's asthma history, current symptoms, treatment response, and any exacerbating factors. Emergency room notes, treatment plans, and follow-up assessments are critical for supporting the use of J45.32.