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ICD-10 Coding for Pleurisy(R09.1)

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

Also known as:

PleuritisPleuritic chest pain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Pleurisy

R09.1Primary Range

Pleurisy

Primary code for pleurisy when no underlying cause is identified.

Pneumonia

Used when pleurisy is secondary to pneumonia.

Tuberculosis

Used for tuberculous pleurisy.

Malignant pleural effusion

Used for neoplastic causes of pleurisy.

Lupus pleuritis

Used for autoimmune etiologies of pleurisy.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for pleurisy

Essential facts and insights about Pleurisy

The ICD-10 code for pleurisy is R09.1, used when no underlying cause is identified.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for pleurisy

Pleurisy
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of pleuritic chest pain with imaging confirmation

coding Criteria

  • No identified underlying cause

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed description of chest pain and associated symptoms

Applicable To

  • Pleuritic chest pain

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Chest X-ray showing pleural thickening
  • CT scan confirming pleural effusion
  • Ultrasound with fibrinous stranding

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing with underlying conditions
  • Use without clinical validation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document any underlying conditions that may be causing pleurisy.

Ancillary Codes

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

Viral pneumonia, unspecified

J12.9
Use when pleurisy is secondary to viral pneumonia.

Tuberculosis of pleura

A15.6
Use when pleurisy is due to tuberculosis.

Differential Codes

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

Pleurodynia

R07.81
Pleurodynia lacks pleural rub and imaging abnormalities.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Pleurisy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R09.1.

Impact

Clinical: Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denial.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific descriptors for pain., Include relevant imaging and lab results.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always code the underlying condition first if identified.

Impact

Failure to sequence underlying conditions before pleurisy.

Mitigation Strategy

Educate staff on ICD-10 sequencing rules.

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

Documentation Templates for Pleurisy

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

Emergency Department Visit for Pleuritic Pain

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Onset and character of chest pain
  • Associated symptoms
  • Imaging results
  • Past medical history

Example Documentation

HPI: 48F c/o acute onset left-sided chest pain (9/10) radiating to scapula, worsening with breathing. PMH: SLE on immunosuppressants. Imaging: CXR shows left pleural effusion; US-guided thoracentesis yields exudative fluid (LDH 450 U/L). Assessment: Pleurisy secondary to lupus flare vs. infection.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Chest pain, cause unknown.
Good Documentation Example
Sharp, right-sided chest pain (8/10) exacerbated by coughing; pleural rub noted on auscultation. CT confirms right pleural thickening without effusion.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the pain and diagnostic findings, supporting the diagnosis of pleurisy.

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

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