In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention has released Official Coding Guidance for reporting health care
encounters related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
A new, specific ICD-10 diagnosis code will be included in the October 2020
update. However, in the interim, the following guidance should be
followed:
| Condition | ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes |
| Pneumonia, confirmed as due to COVID-19 | J12.89, B97.29 |
| Acute bronchitis, confirmed as due to COVID-19 | J20.8, B97.29 |
| Bronchitis NOS, confirmed as due to COVID-19 | J40, B97.29 |
| Acute/lower respiratory infection NOS, confirmed as due to COVID-19 | J22, B97.29 |
| Respiratory infection NOS, confirmed as due to COVID-19 | J98.8, B97.29 |
| Acute respiratory distress syndrome, confirmed as due to COVID-19 | J80, B97.29 |
| Possible exposure to COVID-19, condition ruled-out | Z03.818 |
| Exposure to confirmed COVID-19 | Z20.828 |
Coders should follow the
Official ICD-10 guidelines for guidance on sequencing, reporting signs and
symptoms and reporting conditions stated as “suspected”,
“possible” or probable”.
We recommend providing immediate training to your clinicians regarding proper
documentation related to COVID-19. We also recommend providing immediate
training to your coders regarding proper ICD-10 assignment for encounters
related to COVID-19.
To access the complete CDC update, go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd/ICD-10-CM-Official-Coding-Gudance-Interim-Advice-coronavirus-feb-20-2020.pdf