ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesI27.82

I27.82

Billable

Chronic pulmonary embolism

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 I27.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic pulmonary embolism.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic pulmonary embolism (CPE) is a condition characterized by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries due to blood clots that have persisted over time. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and chest pain, which can be subtle and often mistaken for other respiratory or cardiac conditions. The anatomy involved primarily includes the pulmonary arteries, which transport deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. Over time, chronic pulmonary embolism can lead to pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure due to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as CT pulmonary angiography or ventilation-perfusion scans, alongside clinical evaluation. It is crucial to differentiate CPE from acute pulmonary embolism, as the management strategies differ significantly. Chronic pulmonary embolism may require long-term anticoagulation therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as pulmonary thromboendarterectomy may be indicated to improve patient outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation to confirm chronicity and differentiate from acute events.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve anticoagulation, monitoring, and potential surgical options.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and imaging results are essential for accurate coding.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise documentation to distinguish from other pulmonary conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with acute pulmonary embolism codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or lack of imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if documentation does not support chronicity or treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Cardiology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Chronic pulmonary embolism significantly impacts population health, contributing to morbidity and healthcare utilization due to its association with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Effective management can improve quality measures and reduce hospital readmissions. Epidemiologically, CPE is often underdiagnosed, leading to increased healthcare costs and a need for enhanced awareness and screening in at-risk populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Chronic pulmonary embolism significantly impacts population health, contributing to morbidity and healthcare utilization due to its association with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Effective management can improve quality measures and reduce hospital readmissions. Epidemiologically, CPE is often underdiagnosed, leading to increased healthcare costs and a need for enhanced awareness and screening in at-risk populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the medical necessity for imaging and ongoing management is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient evidence of chronicity or lack of detailed treatment plans. Best practices include thorough documentation of patient history, imaging results, and treatment response, ensuring that all services rendered are supported by clinical evidence.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for I00-I99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by I27.82?

I27.82 covers chronic pulmonary embolism, which may arise from unresolved acute pulmonary emboli or recurrent embolic events leading to persistent pulmonary artery obstruction.

When should I27.82 be used instead of related codes?

I27.82 should be used when there is clear evidence of chronic pulmonary embolism, typically indicated by persistent symptoms and imaging findings that confirm chronic obstruction, as opposed to acute events coded under I26.

What documentation supports I27.82?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, imaging studies confirming chronic pulmonary embolism, treatment plans, and follow-up evaluations to support the diagnosis.