Encounter for screening for respiratory disorder NEC

This code signifies a patient visit specifically for the purpose of identifying an undiagnosed respiratory condition, excluding tuberculosis, in an asymptomatic individual. It applies when a screening test or examination is performed to detect potential respiratory issues before symptoms manifest.

This code is appropriate for routine screenings for conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other non-tuberculosis respiratory disorders in high-risk populations or as part of a general health assessment. It should be used when the patient presents for a screening and does not have current respiratory symptoms or a known diagnosis of the condition being screened for.

• Always assign a secondary code for any abnormal findings discovered during the screening.
• Do not use this code if the patient presents with respiratory symptoms; in such cases, code the symptoms or the definitive diagnosis.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the encounter's purpose as screening for a respiratory disorder.