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Coding Asthma with COPD

Published on 

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

 | RAC Information 
 | FAQ 

Q:

Can code J45.909 for Unspecified Asthma, uncomplicated be reported in addition to COPD?


A:

No.  According to Coding Clinic 1st Qtr. 2017 page 25 there should be documentation specifying the type of asthma.  There is an instructional note listed under category J44, Other COPD, which states “code also type of asthma, if applicable (J45-).  “Unspecified” is not considered a type of asthma.

Example: However, if a patient is shown to have moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated, then it would be appropriate to assign code J45.10 with COPD (J44.-). 

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This material was compiled to share information.  MMP, Inc. is not offering legal advice. Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and useful.