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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ84.115

J84.115

Respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J84.115 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD) is a form of interstitial lung disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, primarily affecting the bronchioles. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as chronic cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and fatigue. The disease is often associated with smoking, leading to a distinct pattern of respiratory symptoms and radiological findings. Anatomically, the condition involves the small airways and surrounding lung parenchyma, leading to impaired gas exchange and reduced lung function over time. Disease progression can vary, with some patients experiencing a gradual decline in pulmonary function, while others may have more rapid deterioration. Diagnostic considerations include high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans, which typically reveal ground-glass opacities and reticular patterns, along with pulmonary function tests that demonstrate restrictive lung disease. A thorough clinical history, including smoking status and exposure to environmental toxins, is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve smoking cessation, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressive therapies.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and imaging results are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other interstitial lung diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other interstitial lung diseases.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or lack of imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation.

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

Internal 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

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Documentation Requirements

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CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease has significant clinical implications, particularly among populations with high smoking rates. Its impact on population health includes increased healthcare utilization due to frequent exacerbations and hospitalizations. Quality measures may focus on smoking cessation programs and management of chronic respiratory conditions. Epidemiologically, RB-ILD is a growing concern as smoking prevalence remains high, necessitating targeted interventions to reduce incidence and improve patient outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease has significant clinical implications, particularly among populations with high smoking rates. Its impact on population health includes increased healthcare utilization due to frequent exacerbations and hospitalizations. Quality measures may focus on smoking cessation programs and management of chronic respiratory conditions. Epidemiologically, RB-ILD is a growing concern as smoking prevalence remains high, necessitating targeted interventions to reduce incidence and improve patient outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on payer policies, so it is essential to verify coverage for pulmonary function tests and imaging studies. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or incorrect coding, highlighting the importance of thorough clinical notes and accurate coding practices.

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 J84.115?

J84.115 specifically covers respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease, which is primarily associated with smoking and characterized by bronchiolar inflammation and fibrosis. It is distinct from other interstitial lung diseases that may have different etiologies or clinical presentations.

When should J84.115 be used instead of related codes?

J84.115 should be used when the clinical presentation aligns specifically with respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease, particularly in patients with a history of smoking. It is important to differentiate it from other interstitial lung diseases, such as J84.10, which is used for unspecified interstitial lung disease.

What documentation supports J84.115?

Documentation for J84.115 should include a detailed clinical history, evidence of smoking history, results from imaging studies (such as HRCT), and pulmonary function tests that indicate restrictive lung disease. Additionally, any treatment plans and responses should be documented.