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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45

J45

Asthma

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of asthma.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The condition affects the respiratory system, particularly the bronchi and bronchioles, leading to difficulty in breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, and environmental pollutants. The disease can progress from mild intermittent symptoms to severe persistent asthma, which may require frequent medical intervention. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry, to assess airflow limitation. Peak flow monitoring and allergy testing may also be utilized to identify triggers and assess the severity of the condition. Effective management includes the use of inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and lifestyle modifications to minimize exposure to triggers. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor control and adjust treatment as necessary.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive assessment of symptoms and triggers.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves a range of medications and lifestyle adjustments.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical documentation is necessary for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: Multiple subcategories exist, necessitating precise code selection.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of asthma severity or type.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding triggers or treatment response.
  • Billing challenges: Denials may occur if documentation does not support the level of care provided.

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 Codes

Child Codes

25 codes
J45.2
Mild intermittent asthma
J45.20
Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated
J45.21
Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
J45.22
Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus
J45.3
Mild persistent asthma
J45.30
Mild persistent asthma, uncomplicated
J45.31
Mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
J45.32
Mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus
J45.4
Moderate persistent asthma
J45.40
Moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated
J45.41
Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
J45.42
Moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus
J45.5
Severe persistent asthma
J45.50
Severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated
J45.51
Severe persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
J45.52
Severe persistent asthma with status asthmaticus
J45.9
Other and unspecified asthma
J45.90
Unspecified asthma
J45.901
Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation
J45.902
Unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus
J45.909
Unspecified asthma, uncomplicated
J45.99
Other asthma
J45.990
Exercise induced bronchospasm
J45.991
Cough variant asthma
J45.998
Other asthma

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

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

Asthma significantly impacts population health, affecting millions worldwide and leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. Quality measures focus on controlling asthma symptoms and reducing exacerbations, which are critical for improving patient outcomes. Epidemiologically, asthma prevalence varies by age, sex, and geographic location, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions and education to manage this chronic condition effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Asthma significantly impacts population health, affecting millions worldwide and leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. Quality measures focus on controlling asthma symptoms and reducing exacerbations, which are critical for improving patient outcomes. Epidemiologically, asthma prevalence varies by age, sex, and geographic location, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions and education to manage this chronic condition effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the severity of the condition and the complexity of care provided. Common denials can occur if the documentation does not clearly support the medical necessity of the services rendered. It is essential to ensure that all relevant codes are accurately reported and that the documentation aligns with the billing submitted to avoid potential audits and denials.

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?

J45 encompasses various types of asthma, including allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and asthma with acute exacerbation. Each type has specific diagnostic criteria based on symptoms and triggers.

When should J45 be used instead of related codes?

J45 should be used when the primary diagnosis is asthma, particularly when symptoms are present. Related codes may be used for other respiratory conditions or when asthma is a secondary diagnosis.

What documentation supports J45?

Documentation should include a detailed history of symptoms, triggers, treatment plans, and response to therapy. Pulmonary function test results and any relevant allergy testing should also be included.