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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ93.82

J93.82

Other air leak

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J93.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other air leak.

Key Diagnostic Point:

J93.82 refers to 'Other air leak,' which encompasses a variety of conditions characterized by the abnormal presence of air in the pleural space or lung tissue. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as sudden onset of chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased breath sounds on examination. The anatomy involved primarily includes the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs, and the lung parenchyma itself. Disease progression can vary; for instance, a small air leak may resolve spontaneously, while larger leaks can lead to tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans to confirm the presence of air in the pleural space, as well as clinical evaluation to rule out other respiratory conditions. Understanding the underlying cause of the air leak, such as trauma, lung disease, or post-surgical complications, is crucial for effective management and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires imaging and clinical correlation.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve procedures like chest tube placement or surgery.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging reports needed.
  • Coding specificity: Requires accurate identification of the type of air leak.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of air leak types.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes or missing imaging results.
  • Billing challenges: Denials due to insufficient documentation or incorrect code usage.

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

Emergency Medicine

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

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of J93.82 lies in its association with potentially severe respiratory complications. Air leaks can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency interventions and hospital admissions. Understanding the epidemiology of air leaks, particularly in populations with underlying lung disease or those undergoing thoracic surgery, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality measures in respiratory care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of J93.82 lies in its association with potentially severe respiratory complications. Air leaks can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including emergency interventions and hospital admissions. Understanding the epidemiology of air leaks, particularly in populations with underlying lung disease or those undergoing thoracic surgery, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality measures in respiratory care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of the case and the necessity of interventions such as chest tube placement or surgical repair. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is included in the patient's record to facilitate accurate billing and minimize the risk of audits.

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 J93.82?

J93.82 covers various types of air leaks not classified elsewhere, including those resulting from trauma, surgical procedures, or underlying lung diseases. Conditions such as bronchopleural fistula and post-operative air leaks may also fall under this code.

When should J93.82 be used instead of related codes?

J93.82 should be used when the air leak does not fit the specific definitions of other codes like J93.81 or J93.83. It is important to differentiate based on the clinical context and diagnostic findings.

What documentation supports J93.82?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results confirming the air leak, and a clear description of the patient's symptoms and treatment plan. Detailed notes on the patient's history and any interventions performed are also essential.