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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ45.902

J45.902

Unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J45.902 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J45.902 refers to unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus, a severe exacerbation of asthma characterized by prolonged and severe respiratory distress. Clinically, patients may present with wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough that does not respond adequately to standard bronchodilator therapy. The respiratory system, particularly the bronchi and bronchioles, is primarily affected, leading to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and increased mucus production. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing frequent exacerbations that may require hospitalization, while others may have intermittent symptoms. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, physical examination, and spirometry to assess lung function. The use of peak flow meters and monitoring of symptoms can aid in determining the severity of the asthma and the effectiveness of treatment. It is crucial to differentiate status asthmaticus from other respiratory conditions, as it requires immediate medical intervention to prevent respiratory failure.

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 J45.902 lies in its association with severe asthma exacerbations, which can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Understanding the epidemiology of status asthmaticus is crucial for population health, as it highlights the need for effective asthma management strategies to reduce exacerbation rates and improve quality measures in asthma care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of J45.902 lies in its association with severe asthma exacerbations, which can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Understanding the epidemiology of status asthmaticus is crucial for population health, as it highlights the need for effective asthma management strategies to reduce exacerbation rates and improve quality measures in asthma care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the severity of the asthma exacerbation and the necessity for emergency interventions. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation that fails to demonstrate the acute nature of the episode or the medical necessity of the services rendered. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are detailed, including the patient's response to treatment and any follow-up care required.

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 J45.902?

J45.902 covers cases of asthma that are unspecified but present with status asthmaticus, indicating a severe asthma attack that requires urgent medical attention. It does not specify the underlying triggers or the frequency of exacerbations.

When should J45.902 be used instead of related codes?

J45.902 should be used when a patient is experiencing a severe asthma exacerbation that does not fit into more specific categories of asthma. It is essential to document the severity and the acute nature of the episode to justify the use of this code.

What documentation supports J45.902?

Documentation should include a detailed account of the patient's symptoms, treatment administered, response to therapy, and any relevant diagnostic tests such as spirometry results. Clear notes on the severity of the exacerbation and the need for emergency care are crucial.