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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ84.117

J84.117

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J84.117 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of desquamative interstitial pneumonia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP) is a rare lung condition characterized by the accumulation of macrophages in the alveolar spaces, leading to inflammation and fibrosis of the lung parenchyma. Clinically, patients often present with progressive dyspnea, cough, and hypoxemia. The condition primarily affects middle-aged adults, with a higher prevalence in smokers. Anatomically, DIP involves the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lungs, where the inflammatory process disrupts normal gas exchange. Disease progression can lead to significant pulmonary impairment and may require lung transplantation in severe cases. Diagnostic considerations include high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans showing ground-glass opacities and reticular patterns, along with lung biopsy to confirm the presence of desquamated macrophages. Differential diagnoses include other interstitial lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis, making accurate diagnosis crucial for appropriate management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and histological confirmation.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve corticosteroids and immunosuppressants; severe cases may require lung transplantation.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical history and imaging findings are essential.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other interstitial lung diseases.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with other interstitial lung diseases.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical history or lack of imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect coding.

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

Pathology

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 CPT Codes

CPT Code

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Documentation Requirements

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Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia has significant clinical implications, particularly in populations with high smoking rates. Its impact on population health is notable due to its association with respiratory morbidity and potential mortality. Quality measures may include monitoring treatment outcomes and patient-reported symptoms. Understanding the epidemiology of DIP can help healthcare providers identify at-risk populations and implement preventive strategies, ultimately improving healthcare utilization patterns.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Desquamative interstitial pneumonia has significant clinical implications, particularly in populations with high smoking rates. Its impact on population health is notable due to its association with respiratory morbidity and potential mortality. Quality measures may include monitoring treatment outcomes and patient-reported symptoms. Understanding the epidemiology of DIP can help healthcare providers identify at-risk populations and implement preventive strategies, ultimately improving healthcare utilization patterns.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for thorough clinical notes that justify the use of specific therapies, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the diagnosis or failure to provide evidence of the disease's impact on the patient's health. Best practices include ensuring that all relevant diagnostic tests and treatment rationales are clearly documented to support the medical necessity of the services provided.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for J00-J99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by J84.117?

J84.117 specifically covers desquamative interstitial pneumonia, which is characterized by the presence of macrophages in the alveolar spaces and is often associated with smoking. It is distinct from other interstitial lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

When should J84.117 be used instead of related codes?

J84.117 should be used when the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings specifically indicate desquamative interstitial pneumonia, particularly when confirmed by lung biopsy and imaging that shows characteristic patterns. It is important to differentiate it from other interstitial lung diseases to ensure appropriate treatment.

What documentation supports J84.117?

Documentation for J84.117 should include a thorough clinical history, results from high-resolution CT scans showing ground-glass opacities, and histopathological findings from lung biopsy confirming the presence of desquamated macrophages in the alveoli.