Code the CDC’s expanded list of COVID-19 symptoms

by: Laura Evans, CPC Apr 27, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 18 expanded its list of possible COVID-19 signs and symptoms, adding six new S&S in addition to the original three, the New York Times reports.

Here’s how to code them in ICD-10-CM:

The original three symptoms (Coding from ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines):

Fever: R50.9
Cough: R05
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing: R06.02

The new six (coding unofficial):

Chills R68.83, also, chills with fever: R50.9
Repeated shaking with chills: R68.83
Muscle pain: R52
Headache: R51
Sore throat (acute pharyngitis): J02.9
New loss of taste or smell (disturbance of smell and taste) R43.9 for either one or R43.8 for both

Remember not to report COVID-19 code U07.1 unless that diagnosis is confirmed by the clinician, according to the official guidelines.

In addition to the S&S codes above, you may also report a Z code for possible coronavirus exposure if appropriate, the guidelines state:

Z03.818 (Encounter for observation for suspected exposure to other biological agents ruled out); or
Z20.828 (Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases).

Blog Tags: COVID-19, ICD-10

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