Resp Distress ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Resp Distress  

Regarding respiratory distress, several specific codes are used to classify various conditions and assist healthcare professionals in their documentation and billing processes. Below are six commonly used respiratory distress ICD Codes, along with their clinical descriptions:

J80 - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

ARDS is a severe lung condition characterized by rapid onset of respiratory failure, often caused by underlying acute lung injury. It is marked by difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, and bilateral infiltrates on chest imaging.

J96.0 - Acute respiratory failure

This code indicates sudden impairment of the respiratory system's ability to oxygenate blood or remove carbon dioxide. Acute respiratory failure can result from various causes, such as lung disease, trauma, or drug overdose.

J96.9 - Respiratory failure, unspecified

When the specific cause of respiratory failure cannot be determined or documented, this code is used. It encompasses cases where insufficient information is available to assign a more specific code.

J81 - Pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange. It can result from heart failure, severe lung infection, or exposure to certain toxins, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing.

J84.9 - Interstitial pulmonary disease, unspecified

Interstitial lung diseases are a group of disorders affecting the lung interstitium. This code is used when the specific type of interstitial lung disease is not identified or documented, encompassing conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

J96.2 - Acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia

This code is assigned when a patient experiences respiratory failure with elevated carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia). It indicates impaired gas exchange leading to increased carbon dioxide retention in the blood.

Which Resp Distress  ICD codes are Billable:

J80 - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS):

Yes, billable. ARDS is a specific condition requiring medical intervention and treatment, making it billable for healthcare services.

J96.0 - Acute respiratory failure:

Yes, billable. Acute respiratory failure signifies a significant medical condition requiring immediate attention and treatment, which justifies its billable status.

J96.9 - Respiratory failure, unspecified:

Yes, billable. Although the cause of respiratory failure may not be identified, the condition warrants medical attention and management, allowing for its billable status.

J81 - Pulmonary edema:

Yes, billable. Pulmonary edema is a serious condition requiring medical intervention, such as administering diuretics or oxygen therapy, making it eligible for billing.

J84.9 - Interstitial pulmonary disease, unspecified:

Yes, billable. Even though the specific type of interstitial lung disease is not identified, the condition requires medical evaluation and monitoring to justify its billable status.

J96.2 - Acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia:

Yes, billable. Respiratory failure with hypercapnia indicates impaired gas exchange and a need for medical management, rendering it billable.

Clinical Information

• Respiratory distress is a broad term encompassing various conditions that affect the normal functioning of the respiratory system.
• It is characterized by difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, wheezing, chest pain, and decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
• Causes of respiratory distress can include acute respiratory infections, chronic lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary embolism, heart failure, trauma, and certain medications or toxins.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of respiratory distress that can result from lung injury from conditions like pneumonia, sepsis, or trauma.
• Respiratory distress may require immediate medical intervention and monitoring, as it can lead to respiratory failure and inadequate oxygenation of the body's tissues.
• Diagnosing respiratory distress involves a thorough physical examination, medical history review, lung function tests, chest X-rays or CT scans, and blood gas analysis.
• Treatment approaches depend on the underlying cause and severity of respiratory distress but may include supplemental oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, diuretics, and mechanical ventilation in severe cases.
• Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes in individuals experiencing respiratory distress.
• Lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and avoiding exposure to respiratory irritants can sometimes help prevent or manage respiratory distress.
• Close monitoring and follow-up with healthcare providers are important for ongoing management and prevention of future episodes of respiratory distress.

Synonyms Include:

• Breathing difficulty
• Respiratory impairment
• Labored breathing
• Dyspnea
• Airway obstruction
• Respiratory insufficiency
• Impaired lung function
• Respiratory compromise
• Respiratory discomfort
• Suffocating sensation