B38.2
BillablePulmonary coccidioidomycosis, unspecified
HCC Category Mapping
V24HCC 115 — Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Empyema, Lung Abscess
0.339ESRDHCC 115 — Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Empyema, Lung Abscess
0.000What This Code Means
A fungal lung infection caused by Coccidioides when it is unclear whether the infection is acute or chronic.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code only when the acute versus chronic status cannot be determined from documentation
- •Request clarification from the provider regarding the timeline and nature of the infection
Clinical Significance
Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, unspecified, is used when documentation confirms coccidioidomycosis of the lung but does not specify whether it is acute or chronic. While this captures the condition, it represents a missed opportunity for specificity that impacts clinical accuracy and quality metrics.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis via serology, culture, or histopathology
- ✓Chest imaging findings consistent with coccidioidomycosis
- ✓Documented respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnea, chest pain)
- ✓Provider query attempted to determine acute versus chronic status
- ✓Geographic or exposure risk factors documented
Commonly Confused Codes
B38.0 (Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis) - use when symptoms are new onset and within 6 weeksB38.1 (Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis) - use when infection has persisted beyond the acute phaseB38.4 (Coccidioidomycosis meningitis) - if central nervous system involvement is documented, this separate code applies
Code Hierarchy
└B38Coccidioidomycosis└B38.2Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, unspecified
└B38.2Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, unspecified