A recent article summarized updated ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for COVID-19 and vaping disorders. Here are some bullet points to keep in mind:
- For confirmed COVID cases, use U07.1, with documentation supporting the diagnosis. A positive test result is not required.
- For possible, probably or likely cases of COVID, code the presenting symptoms.
- Sequencing of codes for a COVID patient requires coding COVID (U07.1) as the principal diagnosis and manifestations as secondary, unless the manifestation code instructs otherwise. For example, Pneumonia and COVID are coded U07.1 & J12.82. Bronchitis and COVID are coded U07.1 & J40.
- For non-respiratory manifestations, the same coding convention applies: U07.1 as primary and the manifestation as secondary.
- Code an asymptomatic patient exposed to actual or suspected COVID as Z20.822.
- When testing a patient exposed to COVID, use Z20.822 and not Z11.52.
- Patients with personal history of COVID are coded as Z86.16, If the patient comes in for follow-up after a resolved bout of COVID, use Z09 & Z86.16.
Vaping disorders had less updates. For conditions related to vaping, assign U07.0 and code any resulting manifestations. Codes for vaping-related respiratory signs and symptoms are not coded separately once a definitive diagnosis has been made.