J45.31
BillableMild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
HCC Category Mapping
RxHCCHCC 229 — COPD and Chronic Bronchitis
0.000What This Code Means
Mild persistent asthma that is currently experiencing a sudden worsening or flare-up of symptoms.
Coding Tips
- •Use this code when documentation indicates mild persistent asthma with an acute exacerbation; ensure the exacerbation is documented in the medical record
- •Do not use this code for status asthmaticus; use J45.32 instead for that more severe condition
Clinical Significance
Mild persistent asthma with acute exacerbation captures the clinical scenario of a patient with baseline mild persistent asthma experiencing an acute worsening of symptoms. Exacerbations at any asthma severity level require prompt intervention and may indicate the need for step-up therapy or reassessment of baseline severity classification.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Established diagnosis of mild persistent asthma at baseline
- ✓Clear documentation of acute exacerbation with worsening symptoms
- ✓Treatment escalation from baseline regimen: increased bronchodilator use, oral corticosteroids
- ✓Objective measurements during exacerbation if available: peak flow, oxygen saturation
- ✓Trigger identification when possible
- ✓Follow-up plan including reassessment of baseline severity
Commonly Confused Codes
J45.30 — Mild persistent asthma, uncomplicated: use for stable disease, not during exacerbationJ45.32 — Mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus: use for severe, treatment-refractory attackJ45.41 — Moderate persistent asthma with acute exacerbation: use when baseline severity is moderate persistentJ45.21 — Mild intermittent asthma with acute exacerbation: use when baseline is intermittent, not persistent
Code Hierarchy
└J45Asthma└J45.3Mild persistent asthma└J45.31Mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
└J45.31Mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation