When both status asthmaticus and acute exacerbation of asthma are present, what should be coded?

In cases where both status asthmaticus and acute exacerbation of asthma are present, the recommendation is to code both conditions. Status asthmaticus is a severe form of asthma that can lead to respiratory distress and requires immediate medical attention. Acute exacerbation refers to an increase in the severity of symptoms, requiring urgent care.

When documenting these conditions, it is essential to capture the most clinically significant diagnosis, which typically would be status asthmaticus due to its severity. However, both conditions may warrant coding because they can affect treatment and management in a clinical setting.

Therefore, coding only the acute exacerbation does not reflect the full clinical picture, as it does not adequately represent the potential complications or the intensity of care that may be needed. It is important in medical coding to ensure that all relevant and significant diagnoses are reported to ensure appropriate reimbursement and continuity of care.