Acute bronchitis due to rhinovirus

This code identifies an acute inflammation of the bronchi, specifically attributed to a rhinovirus infection. It signifies a temporary, self-limiting respiratory illness characterized by cough, often with sputum production, and other cold-like symptoms. The diagnosis confirms the viral etiology as rhinovirus, distinguishing it from other causes of acute bronchitis.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states acute bronchitis caused by rhinovirus. This typically occurs in patients presenting with acute onset of cough and other upper respiratory symptoms, and where laboratory testing (e.g., PCR) or strong clinical suspicion confirms rhinovirus as the causative agent. Documentation must clearly link the rhinovirus to the acute bronchitis.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "acute" bronchitis and explicitly names "rhinovirus" as the cause.
• Do not use this code if the bronchitis is chronic or if the viral etiology is unspecified or due to another pathogen.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the main reason for the encounter.