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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45.51

J45.51

Severe persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45.51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of severe persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J45.51 refers to severe persistent asthma with acute exacerbation, a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. The acute exacerbation indicates a sudden worsening of symptoms, often triggered by allergens, respiratory infections, or environmental factors. The respiratory system, particularly the bronchi and bronchioles, is primarily affected, resulting in airway obstruction due to bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and airway edema. Disease progression can vary, with patients experiencing frequent exacerbations that may require hospitalization. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical history, physical examination, pulmonary function tests, and possibly imaging studies to assess the severity and frequency of exacerbations. Management typically involves a combination of long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, and quick-relief medications, like bronchodilators, to manage acute symptoms. Regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans are crucial to prevent exacerbations and maintain optimal lung function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive assessment of asthma severity and triggers.
  • Treatment complexity: Involves multiple medication regimens and potential hospitalization.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and treatment plans are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other asthma types.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of asthma severity or exacerbation status.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records of exacerbation triggers or treatment responses.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of supporting documentation for acute exacerbations.

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

Severe persistent asthma with acute exacerbation significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare utilization, leading to increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions. It poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems, with implications for population health management and quality measures aimed at reducing exacerbation rates. Understanding the epidemiology of asthma exacerbations can inform public health strategies and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Severe persistent asthma with acute exacerbation significantly impacts patient quality of life and healthcare utilization, leading to increased emergency department visits and hospital admissions. It poses a considerable burden on healthcare systems, with implications for population health management and quality measures aimed at reducing exacerbation rates. Understanding the epidemiology of asthma exacerbations can inform public health strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for acute treatment is clearly documented, as payers may deny claims lacking sufficient evidence of exacerbation severity. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of exacerbation triggers or treatment efficacy. Coders should ensure that all relevant services, including emergency visits and hospitalizations, are accurately captured to support the claim.

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 J45.51?

J45.51 covers severe persistent asthma characterized by frequent exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids, with symptoms that significantly impact daily activities and may lead to emergency care.

When should J45.51 be used instead of related codes?

J45.51 should be used when a patient with severe persistent asthma experiences an acute exacerbation, indicated by increased symptoms and decreased lung function, necessitating immediate treatment.

What documentation supports J45.51?

Documentation should include a detailed history of asthma symptoms, frequency of exacerbations, treatment responses, and any hospitalizations or emergency visits related to acute exacerbations.