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R09.02
ICD-10-CM
Low Oxygen Saturation

Understand low oxygen saturation (SpO2) with this guide covering diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and clinical documentation. Learn about hypoxemia, oxygen desaturation, pulse oximetry readings, and relevant medical coding (ICD-10-CM) for accurate healthcare records and improved patient care. Explore resources for managing low blood oxygen levels and proper oxygen therapy administration.

Also known as

Hypoxemia
Low O2 Saturation
Desaturation

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Insufficient oxygen in the blood.
  • Clinical Signs : Shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, cyanosis.
  • Common Settings : Emergency room, hospital, home oxygen therapy.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC R09.02 Coding
R09.0

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen saturation in the blood.

J96.00-J96.99

Respiratory failure

Lungs cannot provide enough oxygen or remove CO2.

J98.8

Other specified respiratory disorders

Includes conditions like altitude sickness causing low oxygen.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the low oxygen saturation due to a specific underlying condition?

  • Yes

    Is it due to acute respiratory failure?

  • No

    Is it due to altitude sickness?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Low Oxygen Saturation
Hypoxemia
Respiratory Distress

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document SpO2 value and method (e.g., pulse oximetry).
  • Record oxygen saturation level (e.g., SpO2 88% on room air).
  • Document any signs or symptoms of hypoxemia (e.g., shortness of breath, cyanosis).
  • Note any interventions taken (e.g., oxygen therapy, position changes).
  • Document the cause of low oxygen saturation if known (e.g., pneumonia, COPD).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Hypoxia

    Coding hypoxia without specifying cause (e.g., pneumonia) leads to inaccurate DRG assignment and potential underpayment. CDI crucial for clarification.

  • Documentation Gaps

    Missing or vague documentation of oxygen saturation levels and related symptoms hinders accurate coding and audit defense. CDI queries essential.

  • Device Dependence Overlooked

    Failing to code dependence on supplemental oxygen (e.g., home oxygen) impacts reimbursement and quality reporting. CDI must address this.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document SpO2, method, and oxygen delivery for ICD-10 R09.02 accuracy.
  • CDI: Query physician for cause of hypoxemia for accurate coding.
  • Ensure proper O2 device use and settings for optimal oxygenation and compliance.
  • Monitor pulse oximetry continuously and document trends for effective management.
  • Review ABG results for PaO2 correlation and respiratory status assessment.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify SpO2 <90% on two readings.
  • Confirm probe placement and functionality.
  • Assess for cyanosis, dyspnea, altered mental status.
  • Review patient history for respiratory conditions.
  • Document supplemental oxygen administration if given.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Low Oxygen Saturation Reimbursement: Impacts coding for respiratory failure, pneumonia, COPD exacerbations, affecting DRG assignment and payment.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correctly specifying cause and severity (SpO2 levels) impacts accurate reimbursement and quality reporting.
  • Hospital Reporting: Low oxygen saturation data influences quality metrics like hospital-acquired pneumonia and patient safety indicators.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Accurate documentation and coding improve outcomes tracking and value-based care reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code primary cause of hypoxemia
  • Document SpO2 and method
  • Specify acute or chronic
  • Consider comorbidities like COPD
  • Check ICD-10-CM guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with low oxygen saturation (hypoxemia), evidenced by SpO2 readings below 90% on room air.  Presenting symptoms include dyspnea, shortness of breath, and tachypnea.  Patient's respiratory rate is elevated at [insert value] breaths per minute.  Oxygen saturation levels were monitored continuously via pulse oximetry.  Assessment for underlying causes of hypoxemia included evaluation for pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and pulmonary embolism.  Cardiac evaluation was performed to assess for heart failure or other cardiac contributions to the hypoxemia.  Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis revealed [insert ABG values, e.g., PaO2, PaCO2, pH, bicarbonate].  Treatment plan includes supplemental oxygen therapy via nasal cannula at [insert flow rate] liters per minute to maintain SpO2 above 90%.  Patient's response to oxygen therapy will be closely monitored, and further diagnostic testing may be indicated based on clinical course.  Differential diagnosis includes conditions such as anemia, sleep apnea, and high altitude sickness.  Patient education provided on the importance of oxygen therapy adherence and follow-up care.  ICD-10 code [insert appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., R09.02] applied.
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