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A37.90
ICD-10-CM
Pertussis

Find comprehensive information on Pertussis diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10-CM code B96, whooping cough treatment, and prevention strategies. Learn about the signs and symptoms of Pertussis, diagnostic testing, and best practices for healthcare professionals. Explore resources for accurate medical coding and billing related to Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, for optimal reimbursement. This resource provides valuable information for physicians, nurses, medical coders, and other healthcare providers involved in the diagnosis and management of Pertussis.

Also known as

Whooping Cough
Bordetella Pertussis Infection

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Highly contagious respiratory infection causing severe coughing fits.
  • Clinical Signs : Paroxysmal cough, whooping sound, post-tussive vomiting, apnea in infants.
  • Common Settings : Community-acquired, close contact with infected individuals, outbreaks in schools.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC A37.90 Coding
A37.0-A37.9

Whooping cough

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, in various forms.

J00-J99

Diseases of the respiratory system

Encompasses various respiratory conditions, including pertussis.

A00-B99

Certain infectious and parasitic diseases

Broad category including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections like pertussis.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the pertussis confirmed?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Whooping cough; prolonged coughing spells
Croup; barking cough, stridor
Bronchiolitis; lower respiratory tract infection

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Pertussis diagnosis documented
  • Symptoms (e.g., paroxysmal cough, whooping)
  • Lab results (e.g., PCR, culture)
  • Disease duration and severity specified
  • Differential diagnosis considered and ruled out

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Pertussis

    Coding B96.9 (Pertussis, unspecified) without documented confirmation or specifying clinical type (e.g., with or without pneumonia) creates audit risk.

  • Pertussis Contact/Carrier

    Incorrectly coding Z20.820 (Contact with and exposure to pertussis) for active infection instead of A37.0 (Pertussis), or vice versa, leads to inaccurate data.

  • Pertussis Complication Coding

    Failure to capture and code complications of pertussis, such as pneumonia (J15.0) or apnea (R06.81), impacts severity measures and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document cough duration, paroxysms, post-tussive emesis for accurate ICD-10-CM B96.8 coding.
  • Ensure pertussis PCR or culture results are in the chart for CDI and compliance.
  • For infants <6 months, highlight apnea episodes for proper diagnosis and Z23 code.
  • Query physician if pertussis suspected but lab test negative, to clarify diagnosis.
  • Check immunization records and document appropriately for compliance and public health reporting.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Paroxysmal cough documented ICD10 A37.0 A37.9
  • Posttussive vomiting or inspiratory whoop noted
  • Lymphocytosis present in CBC review
  • Consider PCR or culture for Bordetella pertussis
  • Patient isolation precautions documented

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Pertussis Diagnosis Reimbursement: Accurate ICD-10-CM coding (A37.0-A37.9) maximizes reimbursement. Coding errors impact revenue cycle.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Pertussis cases affect hospital-acquired infection rates. Accurate reporting crucial for performance evaluation.
  • Pertussis Case Management: Effective documentation and coding improve patient outcomes, reducing readmissions and complications.
  • Public Health Reporting: Timely, accurate pertussis reporting (A37.-) is vital for disease surveillance and prevention strategies.

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 Pertussis as B96.
  • Document paroxysmal cough.
  • Specify if confirmed/suspected.
  • Consider age for coding.
  • Check for apnea complications.

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with pertussis, also known as whooping cough.  The patient reports a cough lasting for [duration], characterized by [cough description; e.g., paroxysmal coughing fits, inspiratory whoop, posttussive emesis].  Onset of cough was [onset date].  Associated symptoms include [list symptoms; e.g., rhinorrhea, sneezing, low-grade fever, apnea in infants].  Patient's immunization history for pertussis is [documented immunization status; e.g., up-to-date, incomplete, unknown].  Physical examination reveals [relevant findings; e.g., clear lung sounds, mild erythema of the pharynx, conjunctival injection].  Differential diagnoses considered include [list differential diagnoses; e.g., bronchitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, pneumonia].  Based on the clinical presentation and reported symptoms, a presumptive diagnosis of pertussis is made.  Laboratory testing, including a nasopharyngeal swab for pertussis PCR and culture, has been ordered to confirm the diagnosis.  Treatment is initiated with [medication; e.g., azithromycin] for [duration] to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and prevent transmission.  Patient education provided on the importance of isolation precautions, including covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and avoiding contact with vulnerable individuals.  Follow-up scheduled in [duration] to assess response to treatment and monitor for complications such as pneumonia, seizures, or encephalopathy.  ICD-10 code A37.0 Pertussis is assigned.  Patient advised to contact the clinic if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.