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J96.91
ICD-10-CM
Hypoxia Respiratory Failure

Understanding Hypoxia Respiratory Failure: This guide covers clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices for diagnosing and managing hypoxic respiratory failure. Learn about key symptoms, diagnostic criteria including PaO2 FiO2 ratio, ICD-10-CM codes (J96.00, J96.01, J96.20, J96.21), and treatment options. Improve your clinical documentation accuracy and optimize medical coding for respiratory failure due to hypoxia with this comprehensive resource.

Also known as

Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
Hypoxic Respiratory Insufficiency

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Low blood oxygen due to impaired breathing
  • Clinical Signs : Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, cyanosis
  • Common Settings : COPD exacerbation, pneumonia, heart failure, opioid overdose

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC J96.91 Coding
J96.00-J96.99

Acute respiratory failure

Encompasses various types of acute respiratory failure, including hypoxic.

J95.821

Acute respiratory failure w hypoxia

Specifically identifies acute respiratory failure with documented hypoxia.

R09.0

Hypoxemia

Represents low blood oxygen levels, a key component of hypoxic respiratory failure.

J80

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

A severe lung condition that can lead to hypoxic respiratory failure.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the hypoxia due to an underlying condition?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Hypoxia Respiratory Failure
Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document SpO2 or PaO2 values below thresholds.
  • Specify acute or chronic hypoxia.
  • Detail respiratory symptoms: dyspnea, cyanosis.
  • Document underlying cause of respiratory failure.
  • Note ABG results with hypoxemia evidence.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document SpO2, PaO2, FiO2 for accurate ICD-10 coding (J96.00, J96.01).
  • CDI: Query physician for clarity on acute vs chronic hypoxia for compliant billing.
  • Ensure proper O2 therapy documentation to support medical necessity and compliance.
  • For ventilator management, clearly specify mode, settings, and FiO2 for accurate coding.
  • Monitor and document ABG values, P/F ratio for severity assessment, HCC risk adjustment.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • PaO2 < 60 mmHg or SpO2 < 90% on room air?
  • Clinical signs of hypoxia (cyanosis, altered mental status)?
  • Underlying respiratory condition documented (COPD, pneumonia, asthma)?
  • ABG analysis performed and documented?
  • Assess for other causes of hypoxemia (heart failure, anemia)?

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hypoxia Respiratory Failure reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (J96.20, J96.21) and appropriate DRG assignment for optimal hospital payment.
  • Coding quality directly impacts MS-DRG assignment and case-mix index (CMI), influencing hospital reimbursement for Hypoxia Respiratory Failure.
  • Accurate documentation of Hypoxia Respiratory Failure severity and comorbidities is crucial for proper APR-DRG classification and reimbursement.
  • Timely and specific coding for Hypoxia Respiratory Failure minimizes claim denials and optimizes revenue cycle management for healthcare providers.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code J96.20 primary
  • Document SpO2/PaO2
  • Specify acute/chronic
  • Consider underlying cause
  • Check comorbid conditions

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with hypoxia respiratory failure, characterized by insufficient oxygenation of arterial blood despite adequate ventilation.  Symptoms include dyspnea, tachypnea, and cyanosis.  Physical examination reveals decreased oxygen saturation (SpO2),  use of accessory respiratory muscles, and altered mental status.  Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis demonstrates hypoxemia (PaO2 less than 60 mmHg) with or without hypercapnia.  Differential diagnosis includes pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary embolism, and COPD exacerbation.  Chest x-ray,  CT scan, and other diagnostic studies may be indicated to identify underlying etiology.  Treatment focuses on supporting oxygenation with supplemental oxygen therapy,  mechanical ventilation if necessary, and addressing the underlying cause.  Patient's respiratory status is closely monitored, with continuous pulse oximetry and repeat ABG analysis.  Medical coding and billing will reflect the specific diagnosis, severity of respiratory failure, and treatment modalities implemented.  This includes ICD-10 codes for hypoxemic respiratory failure (J96.00, J96.01, J96.20, J96.21) and related conditions, as well as appropriate CPT codes for procedures such as intubation and mechanical ventilation.  Prognosis depends on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health status.  Continued monitoring and appropriate interventions are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.