Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation

This code signifies a patient diagnosed with mild intermittent asthma who is currently experiencing a worsening of their respiratory symptoms. This exacerbation is an acute event, indicating a temporary increase in the severity of their baseline mild intermittent asthma.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of mild intermittent asthma and notes an acute exacerbation. This is appropriate for patients presenting with increased wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing that is more severe than their usual baseline, but who are not in status asthmaticus.

• Ensure documentation specifies "mild intermittent" asthma; avoid using for other asthma severities.
• Confirm the exacerbation is "acute" and not a chronic, persistent worsening.
• Do not use this code if the patient is in status asthmaticus; a different code would be more appropriate.