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:
- 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).