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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ21.1

J21.1

Acute bronchiolitis due to human metapneumovirus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J21.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis due to human metapneumovirus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute bronchiolitis due to human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a viral infection 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 respiratory distress. The condition typically follows a viral upper respiratory infection, with hMPV being one of the common pathogens involved. The anatomy affected includes the bronchioles, which become obstructed due to inflammation and mucus production, leading to impaired airflow and gas exchange. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing mild symptoms while others may develop severe respiratory distress requiring hospitalization. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical evaluation, history of exposure to respiratory infections, and, in some cases, laboratory testing such as PCR to confirm hMPV infection. Understanding the clinical presentation and progression is crucial for timely intervention and management of this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differentiation from other respiratory infections.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve supportive care, bronchodilators, and monitoring.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and symptom tracking are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to hMPV, necessitating accurate identification of the pathogen.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentification of the causative virus.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or symptom documentation.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the specificity of the diagnosis is not well-supported.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

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

Acute bronchiolitis due to hMPV significantly impacts pediatric populations, particularly infants under two years of age. It contributes to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations during peak respiratory virus seasons. Understanding the epidemiology of hMPV is crucial for public health strategies aimed at reducing respiratory illness in vulnerable populations. Quality measures focusing on timely diagnosis and appropriate management can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Acute bronchiolitis due to hMPV significantly impacts pediatric populations, particularly infants under two years of age. It contributes to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations during peak respiratory virus seasons. Understanding the epidemiology of hMPV is crucial for public health strategies aimed at reducing respiratory illness in vulnerable populations. Quality measures focusing on timely diagnosis and appropriate management can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the condition and the necessity for hospitalization or outpatient management. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to specify the causative agent. Best practices include thorough documentation of the clinical course and adherence to coding guidelines to ensure accurate billing.

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 J21.1?

J21.1 specifically covers acute bronchiolitis caused by human metapneumovirus. It is characterized by acute inflammation of the bronchioles and is typically seen in infants and young children, often following a viral upper respiratory infection.

When should J21.1 be used instead of related codes?

J21.1 should be used when the clinical presentation of acute bronchiolitis is confirmed to be due to human metapneumovirus, differentiating it from other viral causes such as respiratory syncytial virus (J21.0) or unspecified bronchiolitis (J21.9).

What documentation supports J21.1?

Documentation for J21.1 should include a detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, symptomatology, and any laboratory results confirming the presence of human metapneumovirus. Clear notes on the patient's respiratory status and treatment response are also essential.