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A37.90
ICD-10-CM
Whooping Cough

Find comprehensive information on Whooping Cough (Pertussis) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10-CM codes (A37), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about Pertussis symptoms, treatment, and prevention for accurate and efficient medical record keeping. This resource covers diagnostic criteria, laboratory testing for Bordetella pertussis, and best practices for documenting Whooping Cough in patient charts. Explore reliable information for healthcare professionals on managing and coding Pertussis cases.

Also known as

Pertussis
Bordetella pertussis infection

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC A37.90 Coding
A37

Whooping cough

Pertussis (whooping cough) infections.

A36

Diphtheria

Diphtheria infections, often co-occurring with pertussis.

J09-J18

Influenza and pneumonia

Respiratory infections that may have similar symptoms or complications.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the diagnosis Whooping Cough confirmed?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Whooping cough (Pertussis)
Bronchiolitis
Croup

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Pertussis diagnosis: Document paroxysmal cough duration.
  • Whooping cough: Specify cough frequency and severity.
  • Document post-tussive emesis or inspiratory whoop.
  • Pertussis: Note lymphocytosis if present in lab results.
  • Record any apnea episodes, especially in infants.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Pertussis Coding Specificity

    Miscoding pertussis (whooping cough) as other respiratory illnesses due to overlapping symptoms. Use B96. ICD-10-CM coding accuracy is crucial for CDI.

  • Age-Dependent Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of age impacting whooping cough severity and treatment for accurate B96 coding. Pediatric pertussis coding requires specific details for compliance.

  • Lab Confirmation vs. Clinical Diagnosis

    Coding B96 based on clinical diagnosis without sufficient lab confirmation can lead to audit denials. Healthcare compliance requires strong evidence for pertussis coding.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10-CM coding: B96.8, B96.0
  • Thorough CDI: Pertussis PCR, culture
  • Timely reporting per public health guidelines
  • Differential diagnosis documentation: Bronchitis, RSV
  • Specimen collection for lab confirmation crucial

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Paroxysmal cough documented ICD-10-CM B96.8 Precaution
  • Post-tussive vomiting noted SNOMED CT 428972005
  • Inspiratory whoop sound or apnea present
  • Lymphocytosis documented review CBC results
  • Pertussis PCR or culture ordered and reviewed

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Whooping cough reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (A37) and timely claim submission maximizing hospital revenue.
  • Coding quality directly impacts pertussis severity level reporting, affecting public health surveillance and resource allocation.
  • Accurate documentation of treatment and complications (pneumonia, seizures) is crucial for appropriate reimbursement levels under MS-DRG.
  • Missed or incorrect codes for whooping cough lead to claim denials, impacting hospital finances and delaying patient care.

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, B96.4
  • Document paroxysmal cough
  • Specify if confirmed/suspected
  • Note apnea if present
  • Code complications, e.g., pneumonia

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with pertussis, also known as whooping cough.  The patient reports paroxysmal cough, characterized by repetitive, forceful coughing fits followed by a characteristic "whoop" sound during inspiration.  Onset of symptoms began approximately [Number] weeks ago, initially presenting as a mild upper respiratory infection with rhinorrhea, sneezing, and low-grade fever.  The cough has progressively worsened, becoming more frequent and severe, particularly at night.  Post-tussive emesis is also reported.  Physical examination reveals conjunctival injection and perioral cyanosis during coughing paroxysms.  Lung auscultation reveals clear breath sounds between paroxysms.  Differential diagnoses considered include bronchitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza.  Based on the clinical presentation, including the characteristic whooping cough and paroxysmal nature, a presumptive diagnosis of pertussis is made.  Laboratory testing, including a nasopharyngeal swab for pertussis PCR, has been ordered to confirm the diagnosis.  Treatment is initiated with azithromycin to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and to prevent transmission.  Patient education provided regarding the importance of isolation precautions, including covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and limiting contact with others, especially infants and young children.  Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Number] weeks to assess treatment response and monitor for complications such as pneumonia or seizures.  ICD-10 code A37.0, Pertussis, is assigned.