Pulmonary edema (J81) ICD-10-CM
The J81 code range covers pulmonary edema 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.
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code to identify:
- exposure to environmental tobacco smoke Z77.22
- history of tobacco dependence Z87.891
- occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke Z57.31
- tobacco dependence F17
- tobacco use Z72.0
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.
Codes in the J81 Range 3 codes · 2 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J81 range.
Pulmonary Edema
Excessive accumulation of extravascular fluid in the lung, an indication of a serious underlying disease or disorder. Pulmonary edema prevents efficient PULMONARY GAS EXCHANGE in the PULMONARY ALVEOLI, and can be life-threatening.
About the J81 Code Range
ICD-10 code J81 represents pulmonary edema, a condition where excess fluid builds up in the lungs, making breathing difficult. This section includes two main types: J81.0 for acute pulmonary edema and J81.1 for chronic pulmonary edema.
The ICD-10 code for acute pulmonary edema (J81.0) covers sudden fluid accumulation often described by terms such as "acute cardiac pulmonary edema" or "negative pressure pulmonary edema." It includes instances caused by fluid overload or post-upper airway obstruction. On the other hand, J81.1 codes chronic pulmonary edema, which may occur due to ongoing conditions like hypoproteinemia, neurogenic causes, or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Common synonyms like "pulmonary congestion," "respiratory tract congestion," and "postoperative pulmonary edema" help clarify that chronic pulmonary edema represents longer-term fluid buildup. These codes guide healthcare professionals and coders in accurately classifying pulmonary edema cases depending on whether the condition is sudden or persistent, supporting appropriate treatment and documentation.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J81 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 J81 range classify?
The range classifies pulmonary edema. 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.
