Considered one of the most chronic diseases in the world, allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom, animal dander, latex, insect bites or even certain foods. Usually, an allergic reaction starts in the immune system – which protects our bodies from invading pathogens. When a person has an allergy, their immune system mistakes a harmless substance (called an allergen) for an invader. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing substances known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These IgE antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction that can potentially inflame the skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. The type and severity of allergies can vary from person to person, ranging from mild irritation to severe and life-threatening allergic reactions. Allergy sufferers or other specialists dealing with patients suffering from various allergic conditions must provide appropriate treatment and also ensure that the medical coding for that particular condition is performed properly as per the medical indications. outsourcingmedical coding servicesa reputable billing and coding company can help doctors submit their medical claims without errors.
According to reports from Clevelandclinic.org, approximately 50 million Americans (1 in 6) suffer from all types of allergies, including indoor, outdoor, food and drug, latex, insect, skin and eye allergies. Typically, an allergic reaction can cause symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, stomach lining or on the skin. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include a rash or hives, itching, watery/red eyes, runny nose, swelling and difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and a slight drop in blood pressure. In most cases, patients experience one or more of these symptoms immediately after exposure to an allergen. If symptoms persist for more than a week and don't seem to improve, it's important to see an allergist or immunologist. In patients with mild allergies, the diagnosis can begin with a physical examination. The doctor may ask questions about immediate symptoms and take the history. Recording symptoms over time can help the allergist properly identify the exact factors that cause allergies and suggest appropriate treatment modalities and lifestyle management strategies that help patients feel better and live better. .
Here we are going to discuss the three most common allergic diseases and their associated ICD-10 codes –
allergic rhinitis- Commonly known as hay fever, this is an allergic reaction to certain allergens. Reports from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) state that about 8% of adults in the United States suffer from some type of allergic rhinitis. The condition develops when the body's immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts or comes into contact with allergens in the environment and releases histamine (a natural chemical that protects your body from the allergen). The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can vary depending on the type and severity of your allergy. The most common symptoms are – sneezing and coughing, puffy eyes, runny/stuffy nose, itching (especially eyes, nose, mouth, throat and skin), as well as hives and dark circles under the eyes. Diagnosing this condition can begin with a physical exam and analysis of symptoms. One of the most common diagnostic tests is the skin prick test. In addition, a blood test and a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) may also be performed. Treatment modalities for the condition involve a combination of medications and home remedies. Other therapies include - immunotherapy or allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT - where a pill with a mixture of various allergens is placed under the tongue). ICD-10 codes used for billing for allergic rhinitis include:-
- J30 - Vasomotor and allergic rhinitis
- J30.0 - Vasomotor rhinitis
- J30.1 - Allergic rhinitis to pollen
- J30.2 - Other seasonal allergic rhinitis
- J30.5 - Allergic rhinitis due to food
- J30.8 - Other Allergic Rhinitis
- J30.81 - Allergic rhinitis due to animal dander (cat) (dog) and dander
- J30.89 – Other Allergic Rhinitis
- J30.9 - Allergic rhinitis, unspecified
eczema– Most common in children, this is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy and red skin. Also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), the prevalence of childhood Alzheimer's disease in the United States is 10.7 percent. The exact cause of AD is unknown. However, the presence of too many inflammatory cells in the skin is one of the main factors that cause this condition. According to reports from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 90% of people with AD develop it before age 5. The disease can also persist into adolescence and adulthood. Itchy skin, which often turns into a red rash, is one of the main symptoms associated with the condition. Other related symptoms are - a rash on the scalp, neck or cheeks; thickened, cracked and discolored skin; scaly patches of skin at the site of the rash; red to brownish-gray spots; and light or dark patches of skin. Since there is no specific cure for this inflammatory skin condition, recognizing symptoms early and incorporating a combination of treatments, such as medication, skin care, and lifestyle changes, can help prevent flare-ups. ICD-10-CM codes used to indicate a diagnosis of AD include -
- L20 – Atopic Dermatitis
- L20.0 - Besniers Prurigo
- L20.8 - Other Atopic Dermatitis
- L20.81 – Atopic Neurodermatitis
- L20.82 – Biegeekzem
- L20.83 - Infantile eczema (acute) (chronic)
- L20.84 - Intrinsic eczema (allergic)
- L20.89 – Other Atopic Dermatitis
- L20.9 - Atopic dermatitis, unspecified
anaphylaxis– Anaphylaxis is a specific allergic reaction to a poison, food or medicine. In most cases, it is caused by eating foods known to cause allergies (such as peanuts or tree nuts). This causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can send the patient into shock – the patient's blood pressure suddenly drops and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. This allergic condition causes a range of symptoms, including a rash, slow heart rate, abdominal pain, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and itchy skin. Symptoms usually begin minutes after a person eats a problem food. The relevant ICD-10 codes for documenting such food-related anaphylactic reactions are:
- T78 Adverse effects, not otherwise classified
- T78.0 Anaphylactic reaction due to food
- T78.00 Anaphylactic reaction due to unspecified food
- T78.01 Anaphylactic reaction due to peanut
- T78.02 Anaphylactic reaction caused by molluscs (crustaceans)
- T78.03 Anaphylactic reaction from other fish
- T78.04 Anaphylactic reaction due to fruits and vegetables
- T78.05 Anaphylactic reaction due to nuts and seeds
- T78.06 Anaphylactic reaction due to food additives
- T78.07 Anaphylactic reaction due to milk and dairy products
- T78.08 Anaphylactic reaction due to eggs
- T78.09 Anaphylactic reaction due to other foods
- T78.1 Other food intolerances, not elsewhere classified
- T78.2 Anaphylactic shock, unspecified
The outcome of treatment largely depends on the severity of the allergic disease. In general, seasonal allergies can be treated well with medication. However, severe allergies require long-term treatment. Dealing with allergies before the body has a chance to react negatively to substances is one of the best ways to prevent allergies. Other strategies for treating and preventing allergies include: covering your mouth and nose when gardening, staying indoors when pollen levels are high, avoiding morning exercise, and closing windows and doors as much as possible during allergy seasons.
Medical billing and coding for various allergic conditions can be challenging as there are multiple codes associated with these conditions. Allergy and sleeping pillsmedical billing servicesit can be outsourced to a trusted US provider that offers the services of AAPC certified coding experts. This allows healthcare practices to ensure accurate and timely medical billing and claims reimbursement.