Bauxite fibrosis (of lung)
ICD-10 J63.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of bauxite fibrosis (of lung).
Bauxite fibrosis, a form of pneumoconiosis, is characterized by lung damage resulting from the inhalation of bauxite dust, which contains aluminum oxide and silica. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as chronic cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and chest discomfort. The disease primarily affects the lung parenchyma, leading to progressive fibrosis and impaired respiratory function. Over time, exposure to bauxite dust can result in significant lung scarring, which may lead to complications such as respiratory failure or pulmonary hypertension. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough occupational history, imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans to identify characteristic patterns of lung fibrosis, and pulmonary function tests to assess the extent of lung impairment. A multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, occupational medicine specialists, and radiologists is often necessary for accurate diagnosis and management.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
J63.1 specifically covers lung fibrosis resulting from exposure to bauxite dust. It is classified under pneumoconiosis and includes conditions where lung damage is directly linked to occupational exposure to bauxite.
J63.1 should be used when there is clear evidence of lung fibrosis due to bauxite exposure, differentiating it from other pneumoconiosis codes such as J60 (coal worker's pneumoconiosis) or J61 (asbestosis), which are linked to different exposures.
Documentation should include a detailed occupational history indicating exposure to bauxite, results from imaging studies showing lung fibrosis, and pulmonary function test results demonstrating respiratory impairment.
