ICD-10 Coding for Low Lung Volumes(J84.9, J98.4, J98.11, R91.8)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Low Lung Volumes. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Low Lung Volumes
J84-J98Primary Range
Other respiratory diseases principally affecting the interstitium
This range includes codes for restrictive lung diseases and related conditions that can cause low lung volumes.
Abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of lung
Used for nonspecific abnormal findings on lung imaging, such as low lung volumes without a specified cause.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J84.9 | Pulmonary fibrosis, unspecified | Use when pulmonary fibrosis is documented as the cause of low lung volumes. |
|
| J98.4 | Other disorders of lung | Use when low lung volumes are due to a restrictive pattern without a specified cause. |
|
| J98.11 | Atelectasis | Use when low lung volumes are due to post-surgical changes. |
|
| R91.8 | Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field | Use when low lung volumes are noted on imaging without a specific diagnosis. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for low lung volumes
Essential facts and insights about Low Lung Volumes
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for low lung volumes
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Confirmed fibrosis on imaging
documentation Criteria
- Specific mention of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Applicable To
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Excludes
- Post-inflammatory pulmonary fibrosis (J84.1)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- HRCT showing honeycombing
- PFTs: TLC <80%
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if fibrosis is not confirmed
Coding Notes
- Ensure fibrosis is confirmed via imaging or biopsy before using this code.
J98.4 - Other disorders of lung
Use when low lung volumes are due to a restrictive pattern without a specified cause.
Applicable To
- Restrictive lung disease, unspecified
Excludes
- Pulmonary fibrosis (J84.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- PFTs: FVC ↓, TLC ↓, normal FEV1/FVC ratio
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation supports a restrictive pattern without a specific diagnosis.
J98.11 - Atelectasis
Use when low lung volumes are due to post-surgical changes.
Applicable To
- Post-surgical atelectasis
Excludes
- Congenital atelectasis (P28.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of post-surgical status
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation specifies the surgical procedure leading to atelectasis.
R91.8 - Other nonspecific abnormal finding of lung field
Use when low lung volumes are noted on imaging without a specific diagnosis.
Applicable To
- Abnormal lung findings on imaging
Excludes
- Specific diagnoses like fibrosis (J84.9)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Imaging report noting low lung volumes
Coding Notes
Use only when no specific diagnosis can be made from imaging.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Chronic respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia
J96.10Shortness of breath
R06.02History of surgery
Z98.89Personal history of nicotine dependence
Z87.891Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Low Lung Volumes to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J84.9.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed imaging and test results are documented, Link findings to specific diagnoses
Impact
Reimbursement: Lower reimbursement due to non-specific coding, Compliance: Potential non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Use J84.9 when fibrosis is confirmed by imaging or biopsy.
Impact
Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Failure to follow coding guidelines, Data Quality: Misleading clinical data
Mitigation Strategy
Use J98.11 for post-surgical atelectasis.
Impact
Using non-specific codes like R91.8 when specific diagnoses are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation and use of specific codes.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Low Lung Volumes, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Low Lung Volumes
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Low Lung Volumes. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis
Specialty: PulmonologyRequired Elements
- HRCT findings
- PFT results
- Clinical symptoms
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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