Pneumonia due to SARS-associated coronavirus

This code identifies pneumonia specifically caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus. It signifies a severe respiratory infection characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, directly attributed to the SARS-CoV pathogen. This condition typically presents with fever, cough, dyspnea, and infiltrates on chest imaging.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states pneumonia due to SARS-associated coronavirus. This diagnosis should be supported by positive laboratory confirmation of SARS-CoV infection in conjunction with clinical and radiological evidence of pneumonia. It is appropriate for both initial and subsequent encounters for this specific etiology.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "SARS-associated coronavirus" and not other coronaviruses.
• Do not use this code for pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19); separate codes exist for COVID-19 related pneumonia.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the pneumonia is the reason for the encounter, followed by any associated complications.