Pleural plaque without asbestos
ICD-10 J92.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of pleural plaque without asbestos.
Pleural plaques are localized areas of fibrous thickening on the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs. J92.9 specifically refers to pleural plaques that are not associated with asbestos exposure. Clinically, patients may be asymptomatic, but in some cases, they can experience mild respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. The anatomy involved includes the parietal and visceral pleura, which can become thickened due to various irritants or inflammatory processes. Disease progression is generally slow, and while pleural plaques themselves are not considered malignant, they can indicate previous exposure to lung irritants. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans, which can reveal the presence of pleural plaques. A thorough patient history is essential to rule out asbestos exposure, as this would necessitate a different coding approach. Regular monitoring may be advised to assess any changes in respiratory function over time.
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
J92.9 covers pleural plaques that are not associated with asbestos exposure. It is important to differentiate these from other pleural conditions, particularly those linked to asbestos, which would require different coding.
J92.9 should be used when pleural plaques are confirmed without any history of asbestos exposure. If there is a known history of asbestos exposure, codes related to asbestos-related pleural disease should be utilized.
Documentation should include imaging results showing pleural plaques, a detailed patient history excluding asbestos exposure, and any relevant respiratory symptoms or functional assessments.
