ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45.42

J45.42

Moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45.42 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J45.42 refers to moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus, a severe exacerbation of asthma characterized by prolonged and severe respiratory distress. Patients typically present with symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough that are not adequately controlled by their usual medications. The condition involves the bronchial tubes, which become inflamed and narrowed, leading to obstructed airflow. Disease progression can vary; patients may experience frequent exacerbations requiring emergency care, and if not managed properly, it can lead to respiratory failure. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough history, physical examination, and pulmonary function tests to assess the severity of airflow obstruction. Additionally, the use of peak flow meters can help monitor the patient's condition over time. The management of moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus often requires systemic corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and possibly hospitalization for severe cases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High 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

Emergency Medicine

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 J45.42 is profound, as status asthmaticus can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly. It affects a substantial portion of the population, particularly children and young adults, leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. Quality measures focus on reducing the frequency of exacerbations and improving overall asthma management, which is critical for enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of J45.42 is profound, as status asthmaticus can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly. It affects a substantial portion of the population, particularly children and young adults, leading to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations. Quality measures focus on reducing the frequency of exacerbations and improving overall asthma management, which is critical for enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the exacerbation and the necessity for emergency services. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the acute nature of the condition or lack of evidence supporting the need for hospitalization. Best practices include ensuring all clinical notes are complete and that the medical necessity for treatments is clearly articulated in the documentation.

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 J45.42?

J45.42 covers moderate persistent asthma that has escalated to status asthmaticus, which is characterized by severe respiratory distress and requires immediate medical intervention. This includes patients who have a history of moderate persistent asthma but are currently experiencing an acute exacerbation that is life-threatening.

When should J45.42 be used instead of related codes?

J45.42 should be used when a patient with moderate persistent asthma is experiencing a severe exacerbation requiring urgent care, distinguishing it from codes for less severe asthma conditions or those without acute exacerbation.

What documentation supports J45.42?

Documentation should include a detailed account of the patient's asthma history, current symptoms, treatment administered, and response to treatment. Emergency room notes, pulmonary function test results, and any imaging studies should also be included to support the diagnosis.