Pulmonary embolism (I26) ICD-10-CM
The I26 code range covers pulmonary embolism with 15 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 12 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- pulmonary (acute) (artery)(vein) infarction
- pulmonary (acute) (artery)(vein) thromboembolism
- pulmonary (acute) (artery)(vein) thrombosis
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.
- cor pulmonale without embolism I27.81
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.
- chronic pulmonary embolism I27.82
- personal history of pulmonary embolism Z86.711
- pulmonary embolism complicating abortion, ectopic or molar pregnancy O00 O07 O08.2
- pulmonary embolism complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium O88
- pulmonary embolism due to trauma T79.0 T79.1
- pulmonary embolism due to complications of surgical and medical care T80.0 T81.7 T82.8
- septic non-pulmonary arterial embolism I76
Codes in the I26 Range 15 codes · 12 billable
- I26 Pulmonary embolismNon-billable
- I26.0 Pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonaleNon-billable
- I26.01 Septic pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale
- I26.02 Saddle embolus of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale
- I26.03 Cement embolism of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale
- I26.04 Fat embolism of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale
- I26.09 Other pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale
- I26.9 Pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonaleNon-billable
- I26.90 Septic pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
- I26.92 Saddle embolus of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale
- I26.93 Single subsegmental thrombotic pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
- I26.94 Multiple subsegmental thrombotic pulmonary emboli without acute cor pulmonale
- I26.95 Cement embolism of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale
- I26.96 Fat embolism of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale
- I26.99 Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the I26 range.
Pulmonary Embolism
Blocking of the PULMONARY ARTERY or one of its branches by an EMBOLUS.
Pulmonary Infarction
NECROSIS of lung tissue that is cause by the lack of OXYGEN or blood supply. The most common cause of pulmonary infarction is a blood clot in the lung.
About the I26 Code Range
ICD-10 code I26 and its subcategories specifically identify various types of pulmonary embolism, a condition where blood clots or other emboli block blood flow in the lungs. These codes distinguish whether the embolism causes acute cor pulmonale (right heart failure) and describe the embolism's nature, such as septic, saddle, fat, or cement embolism.
The detailed ICD-10 code for pulmonary embolism (I26) includes subdivisions like I26.0 for pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale and I26.9 for cases without it. Codes such as I26.01 and I26.90 cover septic pulmonary embolism, linked to infectious clots in lung arteries. A saddle embolus—a large clot at the artery bifurcation—is coded under I26.02 and I26.92, depending on heart involvement. Other specific codes denote fat embolism or cement embolism types. Using these codes correctly helps identify the exact embolism type and associated heart strain, aiding precise diagnosis and treatment documentation for healthcare providers and coders managing pulmonary vascular emergencies.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the I26 range?
Of the 15 codes in this range, 12 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 I26 range classify?
The range classifies pulmonary embolism. 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.
