Find information on mild intermittent asthma diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding. Learn about managing mild intermittent asthma, including treatment options and identifying symptoms. This resource offers guidance for healthcare professionals on accurately documenting and coding mild intermittent asthma for optimal patient care and accurate medical records. Explore resources related to the diagnosis of mild intermittent asthma and related healthcare terminology.
Also known as
Mild intermittent asthma
Asthma with infrequent, mild symptoms.
Asthma and status asthmaticus
Covers various types and severities of asthma.
Diseases of the respiratory system
Encompasses a wide range of respiratory conditions.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is asthma confirmed?
Yes
Is asthma mild intermittent?
No
Do not code asthma. Review diagnosis and consider alternative diagnoses.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Mild intermittent asthma with infrequent symptoms. |
| Mild persistent asthma with regular but manageable symptoms. |
| Moderate persistent asthma with daily symptoms impacting activity levels. |
Coding asthma as mild intermittent without sufficient documentation to rule out other severities can lead to undercoding and lost revenue.
Mild intermittent asthma may coexist with other respiratory conditions like allergies or rhinitis, potentially impacting coding accuracy and reimbursement.
Failing to distinguish between routine asthma care and treatment for acute exacerbations can result in inaccurate coding and improper payment.
Q: How to differentiate mild intermittent asthma from other causes of intermittent wheezing in children?
A: Differentiating mild intermittent asthma from other causes of intermittent wheezing, such as viral bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, or foreign body aspiration, in children can be challenging. Key indicators for mild intermittent asthma include episodic wheezing and coughing, particularly at night or with exercise, and a positive response to bronchodilators. Symptoms typically occur less than twice a week and nighttime awakenings less than twice a month. A detailed patient history focusing on symptom triggers (e.g., allergens, viral infections, exercise) is crucial. Physical examination might reveal normal findings between episodes. Spirometry might be normal between exacerbations but may show improvement after bronchodilator administration during an episode. Consider performing allergy testing to identify potential triggers. For children with recurrent wheezing, consider referral to a pulmonologist for further evaluation, including more specialized tests like methacholine challenge testing to assess airway hyperresponsiveness. Explore how a stepwise approach to asthma diagnosis can help rule out other respiratory conditions.
Q: What are the best evidence-based first-line treatment options for mild intermittent asthma in adults with comorbidities?
A: For adults with mild intermittent asthma and comorbidities like hypertension or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), treatment should consider potential drug interactions and disease-specific contraindications. As-needed short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs), like albuterol, remain the first-line treatment for symptom relief during exacerbations. However, frequent SABA use might indicate inadequate control and necessitate a step-up in therapy. For patients with comorbidities influenced by beta-agonist use, such as certain cardiovascular conditions, anticholinergic inhalers can be considered. Managing comorbidities effectively is essential; for example, optimizing GERD treatment can improve asthma control. Educate patients about identifying and avoiding triggers, including allergens and irritants, and emphasizing proper inhaler technique. Consider implementing a shared decision-making approach to tailor treatment to the individual patient's needs and preferences, considering both asthma and comorbidity management. Learn more about comorbidity management in asthma patients.
Patient presents with symptoms consistent with mild intermittent asthma. The patient reports episodic wheezing, shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest tightness, and cough, particularly at night or early in the morning. These asthma symptoms occur less than twice per week and are typically brief, lasting minutes to hours. Symptom-free periods between exacerbations are observed. Nighttime awakenings due to asthma occur less than twice per month. Lung function tests, including FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) and FEV1FVC ratio (forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity), are generally normal between episodes and fall within normal limits during the patient encounter today. The patient denies any current respiratory distress. No signs of status asthmaticus are present. Based on symptom frequency and severity, along with normal lung function between exacerbations, a diagnosis of mild intermittent asthma is made. The patient was educated on asthma triggers, including allergens, respiratory infections, and exercise. An asthma action plan was reviewed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early warning signs and utilizing a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) rescue inhaler as needed for symptom relief. The patient was also advised on the importance of regular follow-up care for asthma management and monitoring. No long-term control medications are indicated at this time given the intermittent nature of symptoms. Patient education materials on asthma control and prevention were provided. Follow-up appointment scheduled in three months to reassess asthma control and adjust treatment plan if needed. ICD-10 code J45.20 (Asthma, unspecified, uncomplicated) is assigned.