Pulmonary embolism (I26)
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.
Diseases of the circulatory system (I00–I99)
Pulmonary heart disease and diseases of pulmonary circulation (I26-I28)
I26 Pulmonary embolism
I26.0 Pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale
- 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 NEW CODE
- I26.04 Fat embolism of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale NEW CODE
- I26.09 Other pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale
I26.9 Pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
- 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 UPDATED CODE
- I26.94 Multiple subsegmental thrombotic pulmonary emboli without acute cor pulmonale UPDATED CODE
- I26.95 Cement embolism of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale NEW CODE
- I26.96 Fat embolism of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale NEW CODE
- I26.99 Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
Pulmonary embolism (I26)
Instructional Notations
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
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.
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.
