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Coding the novel COVID-19 Virus with ICD 10 and ICD 11

Science is the elixir of the world. Scientific principles are applied in all our walks of life. Feeling privileged to be a part of life science community nurturing the scientific principles applied in our day to day activities. Being a biotechnologist has always fascinated me to explore the world of microorganisms aligning with my current profession by applying codes to these minute creatures. Evidently biotechnology is the exploitation of microorganisms to produce genetically engineered useful products but the reality is questionable nowadays especially with the evolution of pandemic corona virus COVID-19.

I am pretty sure, all of us have read enough articles about corona its evolution, mutation, genetic combo and the list goes on and on. My intention of writing this blog article is to educate the readers to practically apply the codes for Corona. The code for corona was recently published by Center for Disease control and prevention (CDC). The fact is, the code for corona is already available but never in limelight until the evolution of these virus strains.

Though treatment is ultimately free of cost for corona, still codes are essential to track the statistical analysis in order to determine the morbidity and mortality rate caused by this infectious corona virus.

Let us explore the world of codes highlighting the code sets of COVID 19 in ICD 10 as well as in ICD 11. Now you may wonder what is ICD 11 and when it was implemented. To cut the long story short, I would give you a glimpse of what ICD 11 is all about.

ICD 11 is the recent code sets to be launched by WHO with a purpose of starting a user-friendly version with its online coding tools. The ICD–11 is consistent with traditional use of earlier ICD versions, because it has been built with the past revisions in mind. The purpose is to allow the systematic recording, analysis, interpretation and comparison of mortality and morbidity data collected in different countries or areas and at different times. Let’s discuss ICD 11 codes in detail in another article. Most countries follow ICD 10 so thought of sharing them first. In the next article will share the codes for ICD 10 AM and ICD 11.

ICD 10 CM codes are explained as case studies for easy understanding.

To begin with, let us wade through ICD 10 codes with appropriate coding examples.

By now, all of us are aware of the signs and symptoms of corona, which are as follows

R05 – Cough

R06.02 – Shortness of breath

R50.9 – Fever, unspecified

When the corona virus infection is not confirmed, then according to coding guidelines we code only the signs and symptoms. In this scenario, we code these symptoms whichever is applicable for that particular patient.

As a well-known fact, this contagious virus strains affects the respiratory system causing major illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) and other lower respiratory infections.

When pneumonia is the manifestation of novel coronavirus, the apt codes would be

J12.89 – Other viral pneumonia followed by the code for causative organism

B97.29 – Other corona virus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

If the patient ends up with acute bronchitis due to novel corona, give 2 codes -

J20.8 – Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms

B97.29 – Other corona virus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

Incase of lower respiratory infections, code either

J22 - Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection

OR

J98.8 - – Other specified respiratory disorders based on the documentation followed by

B97.29 – Other corona virus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

For patients with ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome) due to COVID-19, assign both the codes as below:

J80 – Acute respiratory distress syndrome

B97.29 – Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

If there is a threat due to possible exposure to COVID-19 and the patient is screened but results are negative, meaning it is ruled out after screening, code:

Z03.818 – Encounter for observation for suspected exposure to other biological agents ruled out.

When a patient is evidently exposed to coronavirus and is confirmed to have the COVID-19 strain, assign the code:

Z20.828 – Contact with and exposure to other viral communicable diseases.

We have carefully reviewed and analyzed all possible code sets for COVID-19. Last but not least, the CDC has given an important note that:

B34.2 – Coronavirus infection, unspecified, would not be applicable for COVID-19 since the infection is respiratory in nature, eliminating this unspecified code. Therefore, take care while coding COVID-19 to provide the right data for morbidity and mortality statistics conducted by WHO.

ICD-11 has a general code for coronavirus but do not ignore the fact that all signs and symptoms also have their respective codes in ICD-11.

1D92 – Coronavirus infection, unspecified site.

I haven’t discussed the ICD-11 codes for signs, symptoms, and other manifestations in this blog.

Conclusion

As the saying goes “Prevention is better than cure” it is always advisable to take necessary action to keep us safe from this deadly strain.

It is high time; we all take the accountability to implement the modern science of preventive techniques.

“Beginning with the end in mind” - Let’s consider the negative consequences before sharing the statistics of its progress which creates unnecessary fear in others minds.

Let us harmonize being compassionate and showing unconditional love for those affected leaving behind all our negative attitudes and fear and create a paradise on earth.

“Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place you must find.”