3E1L38ZIrrigation of Pleural Cavity using Irrigating Substance, Percutaneous Approach
- Billable / Specific Code
3E1L38Z is a billable ICD-10-PCS procedure code for Irrigation of Pleural Cavity using Irrigating Substance, Percutaneous Approach. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). The root operation Irrigation involves putting in or on a cleansing substance. The Alphabetic Index lists this code under Lavage. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this procedure falls under Irrigation (diagnostic and therapeutic).
Code Identity
PCS Table Breakdown
Each ICD-10-PCS code is built from seven characters, each an axis of the procedure. Hover or tap the icons for the official CMS definitions.
| Position | Designation | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Section | 3 | Administration |
| 2 | Body System | E | Physiological Systems and Anatomical Regions |
| 3 | Operation | 1 | Irrigation |
| 4 | BodySystem/Region | L | Pleural Cavity |
| 5 | Approach | 3 | Percutaneous |
| 6 | Substance | 8 | Irrigating Substance |
| 7 | Qualifier | Z | No Qualifier |
In the ICD-10-PCS Alphabetic Index
The FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS Alphabetic Index refers to 3E1L38Z as Lavage. These index entries lead to this code:
To code lavage, open the FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS Alphabetic Index at Lavage. The entry lists 3E1L38Z directly as a complete, billable code.
Clinical Classification (CCSR)
AHRQ groups this procedure code into these clinical categories.
Convert to ICD-9-PCS
Closest ICD-9-PCS equivalents for this code under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Similar Procedure Codes
Questions About 3E1L38Z
Is 3E1L38Z a billable code?
Yes. This is a complete seven-character ICD-10-PCS code, specific enough to report Irrigation of Pleural Cavity using Irrigating Substance, Percutaneous Approach on inpatient claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What is the ICD-10-PCS code for lavage?
The ICD-10-PCS Alphabetic Index lists Lavage under code 3E1L38Z, Irrigation of Pleural Cavity using Irrigating Substance, Percutaneous Approach, billable on inpatient claims in fiscal year 2026.
What do the characters in 3E1L38Z mean?
The code breaks down character by character: the 1st character 3 is the Section (Administration); the 2nd character E is the Body System (Physiological Systems and Anatomical Regions); the 3rd character 1 is the Operation (Irrigation); the 4th character L is the BodySystem/Region (Pleural Cavity); the 5th character 3 is the Approach (Percutaneous); the 6th character 8 is the Substance (Irrigating Substance); the 7th character Z is the Qualifier (No Qualifier).
What is the ICD-9-PCS equivalent of 3E1L38Z?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, Irrigation of Pleural Cavity using Irrigating Substance, Percutaneous Approach crosswalks to ICD-9-PCS 34.92 (Injection into thoracic cavity). The mapping is approximate, so confirm it fits the documentation.
