Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified (J90)

The ICD-10 code J90 specifically identifies a pleural effusion that cannot be classified under other categories. This code is used to document the presence of excess fluid in the pleural space without specifying an exact cause.

J90 covers various types of pleural effusions, including those described by common terms such as exudative pleural effusion, hemorrhagic pleural effusion, and hydrothorax. It also applies when pleural fluid characteristics are determined, like in pleural fluid type determination or serous pleurisy. Conditions such as pneumococcal pleurisy, bacterial pleurisy, and loculated or encysted pleural effusions fall under this code when they do not fit more specific classifications. The code helps clinicians and coders capture pleural effusions broadly, including bilateral effusions, pleurisy with effusion, and hemothorax, ensuring accurate recording of these fluid accumulations for diagnosis and treatment planning. For those searching the ICD-10 code for pleural effusion not elsewhere classified, J90 is the precise code to use.

Filter diagnosis codes list:

Diseases of the respiratory system (J00–J99)
- Other diseases of the pleura (J90-J94)
  - - J90 Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified

Instructional Notations

Inclusion Terms

These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.

Encysted pleurisy
Pleural effusion NOS
Pleurisy with effusion (exudative) (serous)

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

chylous pleural effusion J94.0
malignant pleural effusion J91.0
pleurisy NOS R09.1
tuberculous pleural effusion A15.6

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Hemothorax

Hemorrhage within the pleural cavity.

Hydrothorax

A collection of watery fluid in the pleural cavity. (Dorland, 27th ed)

Pleural Cavity

Paired but separate cavity within the THORACIC CAVITY. It consists of the space between the parietal and visceral PLEURA and normally contains a capillary layer of serous fluid that lubricates the pleural surfaces.