CODES.AND.STUFF

The NHS Classifications Service has received clinical input on this matter, and in consultation with the UK Coding Review Panel (UKCRP), now issue the following guidance on the coding of a viral-associated wheeze.

A wheeze linked to a virus that has required treatment in its own right, for example with nebulisers or inhalers, can be described in many different ways within the care record. Some examples of clinical terms found in the care record are viral wheeze, viral-induced wheeze, viral-associated wheeze or viral illness with wheeze.

We can advise that where a wheeze is either induced, caused or due to a viral infection, the coder must follow the principle for coding symptoms that are important medical problems, and sequence the virus in primary position followed by the wheeze:

B34.9 Viral infection, unspecified

R06.2 Wheezing

Further guidance regarding the coding of symptoms can be found on pages XVIII-4 to XVIII-5 of the ICD-10 Clinical Coding Instruction Manual (Version 2.0).

Date published: 10/2009 (Volume 6 Issue 3)

Coding Clinic, NHS Classifications Service

www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/codingclinic

Tags: infectious diseases, viral wheeze