Pleural plaque (J92)

ICD-10 code J92 covers diagnosis of pleural plaques, which are areas of thickened tissue on the lining of the lungs. These codes specify whether the plaques are associated with asbestos exposure or not, helping to accurately classify respiratory conditions related to pleural changes.

Specifically, J92.0 is used for pleural plaques in patients with evidence of asbestos exposure, also known by terms like asbestos-induced pleural plaque or asbestos-induced bilateral diffuse pleural thickening. These plaques result from asbestos-related fibrosis and thickening of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs. In contrast, J92.9 denotes pleural plaques without any asbestos exposure, useful when pleural thickening occurs due to other causes. Using these ICD-10 codes helps healthcare providers and medical coders distinguish between asbestos-related and non-asbestos pleural conditions, ensuring precise diagnosis and documentation for treatment and epidemiological tracking.