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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45.41

J45.41

Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J45.41 refers to moderate persistent asthma with acute exacerbation, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and hyper-responsiveness. Patients typically present with symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early morning. The anatomy involved includes the bronchial tubes, which become inflamed and narrowed during exacerbations, leading to difficulty in breathing. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing frequent exacerbations requiring urgent care, while others may have well-controlled asthma with infrequent attacks. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests to assess airflow limitation. Peak flow monitoring and allergy testing may also be utilized to identify triggers and assess the severity of asthma. Management often involves a combination of long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, and quick-relief medications for acute symptoms. Regular follow-up is essential to adjust treatment plans based on symptom control and exacerbation frequency.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

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

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of asthma severity and failure to document exacerbation details.
  • Documentation gaps may arise from insufficient clinical notes regarding exacerbation triggers and treatment responses.
  • Billing challenges often stem from the need for precise documentation to justify the use of this specific code.

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of J45.41 lies in its association with increased healthcare utilization, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations. Asthma affects millions globally, and moderate persistent asthma with acute exacerbation can lead to significant morbidity. Quality measures often focus on reducing exacerbation rates and improving asthma control, impacting population health outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of asthma can help healthcare providers implement effective management strategies to reduce exacerbation frequency and improve patient quality of life.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of J45.41 lies in its association with increased healthcare utilization, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to exacerbations. Asthma affects millions globally, and moderate persistent asthma with acute exacerbation can lead to significant morbidity. Quality measures often focus on reducing exacerbation rates and improving asthma control, impacting population health outcomes. Understanding the epidemiology of asthma can help healthcare providers implement effective management strategies to reduce exacerbation frequency and improve patient quality of life.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying patient insurance coverage for asthma medications and treatments. Common denials may occur if documentation does not clearly justify the acute exacerbation or if the treatment plan is not adequately detailed. Best practices include thorough documentation of patient encounters and regular updates to treatment plans based on patient response.

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 J45.41?

J45.41 covers moderate persistent asthma that is currently experiencing an acute exacerbation. This includes patients who have a history of asthma with symptoms occurring more than twice a week but less than daily, and who may require the use of rescue medications more frequently during exacerbations.

When should J45.41 be used instead of related codes?

J45.41 should be used when a patient with moderate persistent asthma is experiencing an acute exacerbation. It is important to differentiate this from J45.40, which is used for moderate persistent asthma without exacerbation, to ensure appropriate treatment and management.

What documentation supports J45.41?

Documentation for J45.41 should include a detailed account of the patient's asthma history, frequency and severity of exacerbations, treatment plans, response to medications, and any triggers identified. Clinical notes should clearly indicate the acute nature of the exacerbation and the patient's current symptoms.