Lung diseases due to external agents
ICD-10 Codes (51)
J61J62J62.0J62.8J63J63.0J63.1J63.2J63.3J63.4J63.5J63.6J64J65J66J66.0J66.1J66.2J66.8J67J67.0J67.1J67.2J67.3J67.4J67.5J67.6J67.7J67.8J67.9J68J68.0J68.1J68.2J68.3J68.4J68.8J68.9J69J69.0J69.1J69.8J70J70.0J70.1J70.2J70.3J70.4J70.5J70.8J70.9Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (2)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for J60-J70 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range J60-J70 pertains to lung diseases due to external agents. These codes are used to categorize conditions such as pneumoconiosis, other interstitial pulmonary diseases with fibrosis, and lung diseases due to external agents not elsewhere classified. The range encompasses conditions resulting from exposure to various substances, including dust, chemicals, and radiation, and includes both acute and chronic conditions.
Key Usage Points:
- •J60-J70 codes should be used for lung diseases caused by external agents.
- •The specific agent causing the disease should be identified when possible.
- •Acute and chronic conditions are both covered within this range.
- •The range includes both interstitial and non-interstitial lung diseases.
- •The severity of the condition should be documented and coded when applicable.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient has been diagnosed with a lung disease caused by an external agent.
- ✓When a patient's lung disease is exacerbated by exposure to an external agent.
- ✓When a patient has a history of exposure to an external agent and presents with lung disease.
- ✓When a patient presents with symptoms consistent with a lung disease caused by an external agent.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient's lung disease is not caused or exacerbated by an external agent.
- ✗When a patient has a history of exposure to an external agent but does not have a lung disease.
- ✗When a patient presents with symptoms of lung disease but the cause has not been determined.
- ✗When a patient has a lung disease caused by an internal factor, such as a genetic disorder.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the latest ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for J60-J70 codes should include the specific diagnosis, the external agent causing the disease, the severity of the condition, and any relevant history of exposure. The documentation should be clear, concise, and based on medical evidence.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis
- •External agent causing the disease
- •Severity of the condition
- •History of exposure
Supporting Evidence:
- •Radiological findings
- •Pulmonary function tests
- •Biopsy results
- •Occupational history
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with asbestosis due to long-term exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Condition is severe, with significant fibrosis noted on CT scan.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has lung disease.
Common Documentation Errors:
- âš Not specifying the external agent causing the disease
- âš Not documenting the severity of the condition
- âš Not including a history of exposure
- âš Using non-specific terminology
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
The complexity of coding for J60-J70 codes is medium due to the need to identify the specific external agent causing the disease, assess the severity of the condition, document a history of exposure, and differentiate between acute and chronic conditions. Additionally, any related complications must be identified and coded.
Key Factors:
- â–¸Determining the specific external agent causing the disease
- â–¸Assessing the severity of the condition
- â–¸Documenting a history of exposure
- â–¸Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
- â–¸Identifying any related complications
Specialty Focus
J60-J70 codes are primarily used by pulmonologists, occupational medicine specialists, and primary care physicians. They are also relevant for workers' compensation cases and for public health reporting.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with a history of asbestos exposure presenting with dyspnea and a cough.
- • A patient with a history of coal mining presenting with progressive shortness of breath.
- • A patient with a history of radiation therapy to the chest presenting with a dry cough and fatigue.
- • A patient with a history of exposure to silica dust presenting with chronic bronchitis.
Resources & References
Resources for coding J60-J70 codes include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Thoracic Society guidelines for diagnosing and managing occupational lung diseases, and various medical coding textbooks and online resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- American Thoracic Society guidelines for diagnosing and managing occupational lung diseases
- World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
Clinical References:
- American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal
Educational Materials:
- Medical coding textbooks
- Online medical coding courses
- Webinars and workshops on medical coding
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for a lung disease caused by an unspecified external agent?
If the external agent causing the lung disease is not specified, use the code for the specific lung disease, followed by the code J70.9 (Lung disease due to unspecified external agent).