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J84.112
ICD-10-CM
Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis

Find information on Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about UIP, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis IPF, interstitial lung disease ILD, and the appropriate ICD-10-CM codes for accurate billing and reimbursement. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and coding specialists covering the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia. This resource helps ensure accurate and complete documentation for optimal patient care and correct medical coding practices.

Also known as

Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
UIP

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Progressive scarring of lung tissue with unknown cause, leading to shortness of breath and cough.
  • Clinical Signs : Dry cough, shortness of breath on exertion, fatigue, crackles on lung auscultation.
  • Common Settings : Pulmonology clinics, respiratory therapy, interstitial lung disease centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC J84.112 Coding
J84.1

Usual interstitial pneumonitis

Chronic scarring and inflammation of lung tissue.

J84

Other interstitial pulmonary diseases

Lung diseases affecting the interstitium, excluding specific conditions.

J70-J98

Diseases of respiratory system

Encompasses various respiratory conditions, including interstitial lung diseases.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is UIP idiopathic?

  • Yes

    Is it progressive?

  • No

    Is underlying cause known?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia
Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • UIP diagnosis: Clinical features, PFTs, HRCT findings documented.
  • HRCT pattern: Honeycombing, basal/peripheral reticulation noted.
  • Exclusion of alternative diagnoses: Detailed rationale provided.
  • Multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) conclusion included if performed.
  • UIP pattern consistent with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Nonspecific Coding

    Using unspecified codes (e.g., J84.1) when a more specific UIP code (e.g., J70.4) is clinically supported based on diagnostics.

  • Missed Comorbidities

    Failing to capture comorbidities like pulmonary hypertension (I27.2) impacting UIP severity, affecting DRG and quality reporting.

  • Conflicting Documentation

    Discrepancies between clinical notes, imaging reports, and pathology findings regarding UIP diagnosis, leading to coding errors.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document UIP pattern on HRCT for ICD-10 J84.118
  • Correlate HRCT with PFTs for accurate UIP diagnosis coding
  • Ensure clinical criteria align with UIP diagnostic guidelines for compliance
  • Query physician for UIP specifics to improve CDI quality scores
  • Timely follow-up crucial for UIP management and compliant billing

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Exclude alternative diagnoses (e.g., drug-induced, environmental)
  • 2. Restrictive PFT pattern and impaired gas exchange documented
  • 3. HRCT pattern consistent with UIP (basilar, peripheral reticulation)
  • 4. Absence of features suggesting alternative ILD diagnoses
  • 5. Multidisciplinary discussion if atypical features present

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis reimbursement impacted by accurate ICD-10-CM coding (J84.1xx) for optimal hospital revenue cycle management.
  • Coding quality metrics for UIP directly affect Case Mix Index (CMI) accuracy and hospital value-based purchasing.
  • Precise documentation of UIP severity using present on admission (POA) indicators impacts DRG assignment and reimbursement.
  • UIP diagnosis coding integrity crucial for accurate hospital quality reporting and public health data analysis.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the key differentiating features between Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis (UIP) and Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP) on HRCT imaging for accurate diagnosis?

A: Differentiating UIP from NSIP on HRCT can be challenging, but certain key features are helpful. UIP typically presents with subpleural and basal predominance, honeycombing, and traction bronchiectasis. NSIP, on the other hand, often shows ground-glass opacities with a more diffuse distribution and less pronounced architectural distortion. While NSIP can have some traction bronchiectasis, it lacks the distinct honeycombing pattern of UIP. Furthermore, the presence of subpleural reticulation in a predominantly subpleural distribution strongly favors UIP. Consider implementing a systematic approach to HRCT interpretation focusing on these elements to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Explore how multidisciplinary discussion with radiology and pathology can further aid in complex cases, particularly when features overlap. Learn more about the specific HRCT patterns associated with each diagnosis to improve your confidence in distinguishing between UIP and NSIP.

Q: How can I effectively manage progressive fibrotic Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) in patients despite optimal antifibrotic therapy?

A: Managing progressive fibrotic UIP despite antifibrotic therapy requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, ensure adherence to prescribed antifibrotics and address any potential side effects hindering optimal drug efficacy. Secondly, consider co-existing conditions contributing to disease progression, such as GERD, sleep apnea, or pulmonary hypertension, and implement appropriate management strategies. Supportive care, including pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and management of cough and dyspnea, is crucial for improving quality of life. Furthermore, address any acute exacerbations promptly and discuss palliative care options with patients experiencing rapid decline. Explore how clinical trials and emerging therapies could provide potential benefits for patients with progressive disease unresponsive to standard treatment. Consider implementing a comprehensive care plan that incorporates patient preferences and addresses their individual needs.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code J84.118 for UIP
  • Document UIP pattern on imaging
  • Query physician for UIP confirmation
  • Exclude alternative ILD diagnoses
  • Consider fibrosis stage for coding

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with progressive dyspnea on exertion, often accompanied by a nonproductive cough.  Symptoms have been gradually worsening over [time period - e.g., several months].  Physical examination reveals bibasilar fine inspiratory crackles.  Pulmonary function testing demonstrates a restrictive pattern with reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and total lung capacity (TLC), and impaired diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO).  High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest reveals findings consistent with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), demonstrating a pattern of peripheral and basal predominant reticular opacities, honeycombing, and traction bronchiectasis.  Surgical lung biopsy, when performed, confirmed the diagnosis of UIP.  The patient's clinical presentation, HRCT findings, and pulmonary function tests are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), of which UIP is the histopathologic hallmark.  Differential diagnoses considered include nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and asbestosis.  These were ruled out based on the combination of clinical history, imaging characteristics, and in some cases, serological testing.  The patient was counseled on the prognosis associated with UIP and IPF.  Treatment options including antifibrotic therapy with nintedanib or pirfenidone, pulmonary rehabilitation, and supplemental oxygen were discussed.  Patient education regarding disease management, symptom control, and advanced care planning was initiated. Follow-up with pulmonology for ongoing disease monitoring and management is scheduled.  ICD-10 code J84.114, Usual interstitial pneumonia, with fibrosis of lung, is documented for billing purposes.
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