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ICD-10 Coding for Atelectasis(J98.11, P28.0, J95.89)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Atelectasis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Lung CollapsePulmonary Collapse

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Atelectasis

J98.11Primary Range

Atelectasis in adults

This code is used for general cases of atelectasis in adults.

Atelectasis in newborns

These codes are specific to atelectasis in newborns, covering primary and other types.

Post-procedural atelectasis

This code is used for atelectasis occurring as a complication after a procedure.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J98.11AtelectasisUse for general cases of atelectasis in adults not related to surgery or congenital conditions.
  • Chest X-ray showing linear opacities
  • CT scan confirming lung collapse
  • ABG with PaO2 <60 mmHg
P28.0Primary atelectasis of newbornUse for newborns with primary lung collapse at birth.
  • Clinical observation of lung collapse at birth
  • Requirement of CPAP or other respiratory support
J95.89Other postprocedural complications and disorders of respiratory systemUse when atelectasis is a documented complication following a surgical procedure.
  • Post-surgical imaging showing atelectasis
  • Documentation of procedure leading to atelectasis

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 atelectasis

Essential facts and insights about Atelectasis

The ICD-10 code for atelectasis is J98.11 for general cases and J95.89 for post-procedural cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for atelectasis

Atelectasis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed by imaging and clinical symptoms.

Applicable To

  • Collapse of lung
  • Pulmonary atelectasis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Chest X-ray showing linear opacities
  • CT scan confirming lung collapse
  • ABG with PaO2 <60 mmHg

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as a complication when integral to a procedure

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type and cause of atelectasis.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Tachypnea

R06.82
Use if tachypnea is present alongside atelectasis.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Post-procedural atelectasis

J95.89
Use when atelectasis is a complication following a procedure.

Respiratory distress syndrome of newborn

P22.0
Use when there is a surfactant deficiency causing respiratory distress.

Atelectasis

J98.11
Use for non-procedural atelectasis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Atelectasis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J98.11.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology., Include imaging and intervention details.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Only code as a complication if documented as such by the provider.

Impact

Risk of incorrect coding as a complication without proper documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure provider documentation explicitly states atelectasis as a complication.

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 Atelectasis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Atelectasis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Atelectasis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Post-surgical atelectasis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • Symptoms
  • Imaging results
  • Interventions

Example Documentation

Patient presents with post-thoracotomy atelectasis. CXR confirms right lower lobe collapse. Bronchoscopy performed to clear mucus plug.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Atelectasis noted post-op.
Good Documentation Example
Postoperative atelectasis of right lower lobe confirmed by CXR; bronchoscopy performed to clear mucus plug.
Explanation
The good example provides specific location, confirmation method, and intervention details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Atelectasis? Ask your questions below.

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