Effective April 1, 2020 the ICD-10 code for COVID-19 is U07.1 | Richter

IMPORTANT: This code is NOT retroactive.  If you have a resident/patient with COVID-9 prior to Aril 1, 2019 please see the guidance below.

Pneumonia -  For a pneumonia case confirmed as due to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), assign codes J12.89, Other viral pneumonia, and B97.29, Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.  ICD-10-CM Interim Coding Guidance for COVID-19 (February 20, 2020)

Acute Bronchitis - For a patient with acute bronchitis confirmed as due to COVID-19, assign codes J20.8, Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms, and B97.29, Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere. Bronchitis not otherwise specified (NOS) due to the COVID-19 should be coded using code J40, Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic; along with code B97.29, Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

Lower Respiratory Infection - If the COVID-19 is documented as being associated with a lower respiratory infection, not otherwise specified (NOS), or an acute respiratory infection, NOS, this should be assigned with code J22, Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection, with code B97.29, Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere. If the COVID-19 is documented as being associated with a respiratory infection, NOS, it would be appropriate to assign code J98.8, Other specified respiratory disorders, with code B97.29, Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

ARDS - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may develop in with the COVID-19, according to the Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection.Cases with ARDS due to COVID-19 should be assigned the codes J80, Acute respiratory distresssyndrome, and B97.29, Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere.

Possible Exposure to COVID-19 - For cases where there is a concern about a possible exposure to COVID-19, but this is ruled out after evaluation, it would be appropriate to assign the code Z03.818, Encounter for observation for suspected exposure to other biological agents ruled out.

Actual Exposure to COVID-19 - For cases where there is an actual exposure to someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19, it would be appropriate to assign the code Z20.828, Contact with and (suspected) exposure to other viral communicable diseases.

Note:

• Diagnosis code B34.2, Coronavirus infection, unspecified, would in generally not be appropriate for the COVID-19, because the cases have universally been respiratory in nature, so the site would not be “unspecified.” ICD-10-CM Interim Coding Guidance for COVID-19 (February 20, 2020)
• If the provider documents “suspected”, “possible” or “probable” COVID-19, do not assign code B97.29. Assign a code(s) explaining the reason for encounter

Additional Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ICD-10-CM Coding for COVID-19