ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesJ98.6

J98.6

Disorders of diaphragm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 J98.6 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorders of diaphragm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of the diaphragm encompass a range of conditions that affect the diaphragm's function, which is crucial for respiration. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs, separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. It plays a vital role in inhalation and exhalation by contracting and relaxing to facilitate airflow into and out of the lungs. Disorders may include diaphragmatic paralysis, eventration, or hernia, which can lead to significant respiratory distress. Clinical presentation often includes shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, and abnormal lung function tests. Disease progression can vary; for instance, diaphragmatic paralysis may be acute or chronic, often resulting from neurological conditions, trauma, or surgical complications. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as chest X-rays or MRI, pulmonary function tests, and electromyography to assess diaphragm function. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management, which may involve respiratory therapy, surgical intervention, or supportive care.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors include misclassification of diaphragm disorders as other respiratory conditions.
  • Documentation gaps may arise if the clinical rationale for the diagnosis is not clearly outlined.
  • Billing challenges can occur due to the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis and treatment.

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

Thoracic Surgery

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

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Disorders of the diaphragm can significantly impact clinical outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospital admissions and respiratory therapies. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is essential for population health management, as they can be associated with various underlying diseases, including neurological disorders and trauma. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and effective management strategies to improve respiratory function and overall patient health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Disorders of the diaphragm can significantly impact clinical outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. They may lead to increased healthcare utilization, including hospital admissions and respiratory therapies. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is essential for population health management, as they can be associated with various underlying diseases, including neurological disorders and trauma. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and effective management strategies to improve respiratory function and overall patient health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for pre-authorization for certain procedures and ensuring that the medical necessity is clearly documented. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or coding errors, so it is crucial to provide comprehensive clinical notes that detail the patient's condition and treatment plan. Best practices include using specific ICD-10 codes, maintaining thorough records, and staying updated on payer policies regarding respiratory disorders.

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 J98.6?

J98.6 covers conditions such as diaphragmatic paralysis, eventration of the diaphragm, and diaphragmatic hernia. Each condition has specific diagnostic criteria, including imaging findings and clinical symptoms.

When should J98.6 be used instead of related codes?

J98.6 should be used when the primary issue is a disorder of the diaphragm itself, rather than general respiratory conditions. It is important to differentiate it from codes that pertain to other respiratory system disorders.

What documentation supports J98.6?

Documentation should include clinical findings, imaging results, and any relevant history that supports the diagnosis of a diaphragm disorder. Detailed notes on the patient's respiratory status and treatment plan are also essential.