Unspecified pneumoconiosis (J64)
The ICD-10 code J64 is used for cases of pneumoconiosis where the specific type or cause is not identified. This code covers lung diseases caused by the inhalation of harmful dusts but without further specification.
Unspecified pneumoconiosis includes conditions commonly known as benign pneumoconiosis, simple pneumoconiosis, complicated pneumoconiosis, mixed dust pneumoconiosis, or just pneumoconiosis. These terms relate to lung damage due to inhaling dust particles like those found in mining or industrial settings. When healthcare providers record chest diseases that stem from dust exposure but cannot pinpoint the exact type, they use J64. This ICD-10 code helps ensure accurate classification and tracking of lung conditions caused by external agents, even when detailed diagnostic information is unavailable. Understanding that J64 serves as the code for unspecified pneumoconiosis assists medical coders and clinicians in selecting the proper billing and documentation code when facing ambiguous dust-related lung diseases.
Instructional Notations
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.
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.
Anthracosis
A diffuse parenchymal lung disease caused by accumulation of inhaled CARBON or coal dust. The disease can progress from asymptomatic anthracosis to massive lung fibrosis. This lung lesion usually occurs in coal MINERS, but can be seen in urban dwellers and tobacco smokers.
Pneumoconiosis
A diffuse parenchymal lung disease caused by inhalation of dust and by tissue reaction to their presence. These inorganic, organic, particulate, or vaporized matters usually are inhaled by workers in their occupational environment, leading to the various forms (ASBESTOSIS; BYSSINOSIS; and others). Similar air pollution can also have deleterious effects on the general population.
