Pleural effusion in conditions classified elsewhere (J91) ICD-10-CM
The J91 code range covers pleural effusion in conditions classified elsewhere with 3 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 2 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Codes in the J91 Range 3 codes · 2 billable
About the J91 Code Range
The ICD-10 code J91 identifies pleural effusions that occur as a result of other underlying medical conditions rather than primary pleural diseases. It includes specific codes like J91.0 for malignant pleural effusion and J91.8 for effusions linked to various other disorders.
These codes are used when a buildup of fluid in the pleural space is caused by conditions classified elsewhere. For example, J91.0 covers malignant pleural effusion, fluid accumulation due to cancer or its treatment. The J91.8 code is used for pleural effusions related to diverse causes such as bacterial infections, hepatic disorders, congestive heart failure, drug reactions, and diseases affecting the pancreas or lungs. Synonyms like "benign asbestos pleural effusion" or "Meigs' syndrome" connect to J91.8, helping clarify code selection when pleural effusions arise secondary to these conditions. Understanding these distinctions ensures precise coding for pleural effusions that accompany other diseases, aiding accurate medical documentation and care planning.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J91 range?
Of the 3 codes in this range, 2 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the J91 range classify?
The range classifies pleural effusion in conditions classified elsewhere. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
