Influenza can be treated in the outpatient setting. If the patient needs hospitalization, consider documenting diagnoses that will support medical necessity.
Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
-Hypoxia plus respiratory distress
Sepsis
Hypoxia is a SOFA criterion for the diagnosis of Sepsis.
-PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300 is two SOFA points and meets criteria for Sepsis if caused by infection.
Influenza causing pneumonia and/or a COPD exacerbation may also lead to hospitalization.
Download the complete tip, Influenza.