Acute bronchiolitis due to human metapneumovirus

This code identifies an acute inflammatory condition of the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs, specifically caused by the human metapneumovirus (hMPV). It typically presents with symptoms similar to other viral respiratory infections, such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing, particularly in infants and young children.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis and laboratory confirmation or strong clinical suspicion points to human metapneumovirus as the causative agent. This is commonly seen in pediatric patients presenting with respiratory distress during viral season.

• Ensure the physician documentation explicitly states "acute bronchiolitis" and links it to "human metapneumovirus."
• Do not use this code if the bronchiolitis is due to RSV or other specified organisms; separate codes exist for those etiologies.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.