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ICD-10 Coding for Lung Fibroelastosis(J84.178, J84.170)

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

Also known as:

Pleuroparenchymal FibroelastosisPPFE

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Lung Fibroelastosis

J84.1Primary Range

Other interstitial pulmonary diseases with fibrosis

This range includes specific codes for interstitial lung diseases with fibrotic features, including PPFE.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
J84.178Other interstitial pulmonary diseases with fibrosisUse when PPFE is confirmed by imaging and histology without progressive fibrotic phenotype.
  • HRCT showing upper lobe pleural thickening and subpleural fibrosis
  • Histopathology confirming intra-alveolar fibrosis with septal elastosis
J84.170Interstitial pulmonary disease with progressive fibrotic phenotypeUse when PPFE shows a progressive fibrotic phenotype.
  • Documented FVC decline >10% over 12 months
  • HRCT showing increased fibrosis

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 lung fibroelastosis

Essential facts and insights about Lung Fibroelastosis

The ICD-10 code for lung fibroelastosis, specifically pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE), is J84.178. Use J84.170 if the condition shows a progressive fibrotic phenotype.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for lung fibroelastosis

Other interstitial pulmonary diseases with fibrosis
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • HRCT and biopsy findings consistent with PPFE

Applicable To

  • Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE)

Excludes

  • Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (J84.112)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • HRCT showing upper lobe pleural thickening and subpleural fibrosis
  • Histopathology confirming intra-alveolar fibrosis with septal elastosis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as unspecified pulmonary fibrosis (J84.10)

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies PPFE features to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Solitary pulmonary nodule

R91.1
Use if nodules are present in the upper lobes.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified interstitial pulmonary disease

J84.10
Use J84.10 only when specific features of PPFE are not documented.

Other interstitial pulmonary diseases with fibrosis

J84.178
J84.178 is used for non-progressive PPFE.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Lung Fibroelastosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code J84.178.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis risk., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure specific PPFE features are documented.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential underpayment due to less specific coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J84.178 or J84.170 based on disease progression.

Impact

Risk of using non-specific codes for PPFE.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the use of specific PPFE 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 Lung Fibroelastosis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Lung Fibroelastosis

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

Confirmed PPFE diagnosis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Required Elements

  • HRCT findings
  • Histopathology results
  • Pulmonary function tests

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bilateral upper lobe pleural thickening and subpleural fibrosis confirmed by HRCT and biopsy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has lung fibrosis.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with PPFE, confirmed by HRCT showing upper lobe pleural thickening and biopsy revealing intra-alveolar fibrosis with elastosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific findings supporting the PPFE diagnosis.

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

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