COVID19 MEDICAL CODING UPDATES

COVID19: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

 Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

Medical coding in COVID19 cases: ICD Codes:

Some of the New Codes added for the covid19 cases they are listed below


U07.1 - COVID 19

Z20.828 - Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases

Z11.59 - Encounter for screening for other viral diseases

Z86.19 - Personal history of other infectious and parasitic diseases

Z01.84 - Encounter for antibody response examination

These are the codes where we can use for COVID19 Cases.


Guidelines to code COVID19 :

1.COVID-19 Infections ( Infection due to SARS-CoV-2)

  A. Code only confirmed cases:

         If the provider documented COVID-19 as a Confirmed diagnosis, documentation of a Positive COVID19 test result. For a confirmed diagnosis, assign code U07.1, COVID-19. Confirmation and documentation of COVID-19  must be provided in Inpatient Medical Coding.

  B. In Suspected, possible, probable or Inconclusive tests of COVID-19:

       If the provider documents "suspected," "possible," "probable," or “inconclusive” COVID19, do not assign code U07.1. Assign a code(s) explaining the reason for encounter (such as fever) or Z20.828, Contact with, and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases. COVID19 Ruled out then assign Z20.828.

      If the patient is an Asymptomatic Individuals tested negative and COVID19 Exposure then assign code Z20.828.

  C. In Outpatient Medical Coding: 

       If the provider documented COVID-19 as a Confirmed diagnosis, documentation of a Positive COVID19 test result. For a confirmed diagnosis, assign code U07.1, COVID-19. Confirmation. But If the patient is coming to the emergency department for screening for COVID19. For asymptomatic individuals who are being screened for COVID-19 and have no known exposure to the virus, and the test results are either unknown or negative, assign code Z11.59, Encounter for screening for other viral diseases. For individuals who are being screened due to possible or actual exposure to COVID-19. If tested positive then based on guideline A, We can Assign principle diagnosis as U07.1.

 D. History of COVID19 Exposure:

       If the patient is admitted for some other conditions but the patient is exposed to COVID19 and tested positive before now the patient is negative for COVID19. Follow up visit after COVID19 infection has resolved. Assign code Z86.19.

 E. Signs and symptoms without a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19

For patients presenting with any signs/symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as fever,etc.) but a definitive diagnosis has not been established, assign the appropriate code(s) for each of the presenting signs and symptoms such as:

• R05 Cough

• R06.02 Shortness of breath

• R50.9 Fever, unspecified 

Coding Sequences for COVID19 with Sepsis, Transplanted Complications, Obstetrics:

These three conditions are no changes with their guidelines.

Sepsis: Sepsis will be the principal diagnosis when it included with COVID19. Sepsis should be sequenced first as per sepsis guidelines.

Transplanted Complications: As per complication coding guideline, if any complication diagnosed with covid19 complication should be sequenced first.

Obstetrics: During pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium, a patient admitted (or presenting for a healthcare encounter) because of COVID-19 should receive a principal diagnosis code of O98.5-, Other viral diseases complicating pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium, followed by code U07.1, COVID-19, and the appropriate codes for associated manifestation(s). Codes from Obstetrics Chapters sequencing priority.) 


From this, I have covered all critical topics from the COVID19 updates in medical coding  ICD-10 codes. it will Definitely helpful for the Medical coders who struggling with COVID19 Updates.

For ICD10-PCS Coding Changes I will cover in another blog with detailed description hope this blog will helpful for Medical coders.


Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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