Pleural plaque with presence of asbestos
ICD-10 J92.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pleural plaque with presence of asbestos.
Pleural plaques are localized areas of fibrous thickening on the pleura, commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Clinically, patients may remain asymptomatic for years, but some may experience respiratory symptoms such as cough or dyspnea. The pleura, a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs, can develop these plaques due to the inflammatory response triggered by asbestos fibers. Disease progression is generally slow, and while pleural plaques themselves are not malignant, they are indicative of asbestos exposure and may signal an increased risk for other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and lung cancer. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans, which can reveal characteristic calcified plaques. A thorough occupational history is essential to establish a link between asbestos exposure and the development of pleural plaques. Differential diagnosis may include other pleural diseases, necessitating careful evaluation to confirm the presence of asbestos-related changes.
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
J92.0 specifically covers pleural plaques resulting from asbestos exposure. It does not include other pleural diseases or conditions not related to asbestos.
J92.0 should be used when there is confirmed presence of pleural plaques due to asbestos exposure. If there are additional complications such as pleural effusion, J92.1 may be more appropriate.
Documentation should include a detailed occupational history indicating asbestos exposure, imaging studies showing pleural plaques, and any relevant clinical symptoms.
