ICD-10 code for COPD and related conditions include ICD-10 for COPD with emphysema, ICD-10 for COPD with asthma, and ICD-10 for COPD with chronic bronchitis.
We also discuss the definition of COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma, and causes and diagnostic tests for COPD.
COPD And Related Conditions
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness. COPD is a chronic illness that cannot be treated.
Emphysema
Damage to the alveoli (air sacs) causes emphysema. The walls inside the alveoli disappear, making many small sacs become larger, single sacs. These larger sacs do not absorb oxygen as well. So, less oxygen is absorbed into the blood. Also, when the alveoli are damaged, the lungs become stretched out and lose their springiness. The airways become flabby, and air is trapped in the lungs. It becomes hard to breathe out. This creates a feeling of shortness of breath.
Chronic Bronchitis
Damage to the bronchial tubes causes chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes are irritated and swollen. This causes coughing and shortness of breath. If mucus comes up with the cough and the cough lasts at least three months for two years in a row, the bronchitis has become chronic bronchitis
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. These signs and symptoms may be worse when a person is exposed to their triggers.
which can include air pollution, tobacco smoke, factory fumes, cleaning solvents, infections, pollens, foods,
cold air, exercise, chemicals, and medications.
What causes COPD
- Smoking is the main cause of COPD. The more a person smokes, the more likely that
- person is to develop COPD. But some people smoke for years and never get COPD.
- In rare cases, nonsmokers who lack a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin can develop emphysema.
- Exposure to certain gases or fumes in the workplace
- Exposure to heavy amounts of secondhand smoke and pollution
- Frequent use of a cooking fire without proper ventilation
Diagnosing respiratory illness
There are several tests a physician may perform if LRTI is suspected:
- Pulse Oximetry: This test uses a small sensor that attaches to the finger or ear. It uses light to estimate how much oxygen is present in the blood.
- Chest X-ray: creates an image of the lungs. Doctors can visually inspect this image for signs of pneumonia.
- Blood Test: A sample of blood is taken and inspected in a laboratory for the presence of viruses, bacteria, or other organisms.
- Laboratory Tests: A sample of sputum or mucus is taken and inspected in a laboratory for the presence of bacterial organisms.
Coding of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is the most common condition in outpatient settings. Coding Clinic provided clarification regarding code selection when chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with other respiratory conditions is documented in the record.
Common ICD code for COPD
J43.9 Emphysema, unspecified
J44 Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- J44.0 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) lower respiratory infection
- J44.1 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation
The following example will give a clear idea:
FAQ section for ICD-10 for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Related Conditions
-
The physician documents COPD with chronic bronchitis and emphysema in the record. (ICD code for COPD with chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
Ans: assign code J44.9, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified
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The physician documents COPD with emphysema, and there is no mention of chronic bronchitis
in the record.Assign code J43.9, emphysema, unspecified. Remember that Category J44, Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, includes chronic bronchitis with emphysema. In this scenario, there was no mention of chronic bronchitis.
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How to code if asthma and COPD are both documented in the report
Assign code J44.89, Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for a patient with unspecified asthma and unspecified COPD.
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A former smoker without airflow limitation is seen in the office. Mild centrilobular emphysema is
demonstrated on chest CT. What ICD codes would you use?Assign J43.2- Centrilobular Emphysema
Z87.891- Hx of tobacco use -
What is the ICD-10 code for COPD with pneumonia?
Assign J44.0 (COPD with acute lower respiratory infection) as the principal diagnosis. Followed by lower respiratory infection (J18.9 for pneumonia), it is reported as an additional diagnosis.
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How to code for COPD exacerbation with pneumonia as per ICD-10 guidelines
If the acute COPD exacerbation is the main reason for admission, then
➤ Principal Diagnosis: J44.1
➤ Secondary Diagnoses: J44.0 and J18.9
If the lower respiratory infection (e.g., pneumonia) is the primary reason for admission:
➤ Principal Diagnosis: J44.0
➤ Secondary Diagnoses: J44.1 and J18.9
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