Pulmonary Emphysema ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn the ICD-10 Codes Used for Pulmonary Emphysema. Understand how these codes benefit healthcare professionals and patients.

By Jamie Frew on Jun 16, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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Pulmonary Emphysema ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Pulmonary Emphysema 

J43.0

This ICD 10 code for pulmonary emphysema represents unilateral pulmonary emphysema, also known as MacLeod's syndrome. It is a rare form of emphysema that affects only one lung. It is caused by a combination of factors, including smoking, air pollution, and genetics. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

J43.1

As one of the commonly used Pulmonary Emphysema ICD Codes, it signifies panlobular emphysema, the most common type of emphysema. It is caused by a breakdown of the walls of the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult for the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

J43.2

Centrilobular emphysema is represented by this code, which affects the central air sacs in the lungs. It is caused by a buildup of fluid and protein in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

J43.8

This pulmonary emphysema ICD 10 code is used for other types of emphysema that are not specifically listed in other codes. This could include a combination of different types of emphysema or a type of emphysema that is not yet fully understood.

J43.9

When the specific type of emphysema is not known, this code, "Emphysema, unspecified," is used. This may occur because the patient has not been fully evaluated or because the condition is too complex to be classified into a specific category.

J44.0

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) lower respiratory infection is coded when a lower respiratory infection, such as a cold, the flu, or a bacterial infection complicate emphysema. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

J44.1

This ICD-10 code for pulmonary emphysema is used when emphysema is exacerbated by a sudden change in condition, such as a cold, the flu, or environmental exposure. It is denoted as "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation," and symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

Which Pulmonary Emphysema ICD codes are Billable: 

  • J43.0: Yes
  • J43.1: Yes
  • J43.2: Yes
  • J43.8: Yes
  • J43.9: Yes
  • J44.0: Yes
  • J44.1: Yes

Clinical Information

  • Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that damages lung air sacs, impairing oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.
  • Smoking, air pollution, genetics, and certain diseases are common causes of emphysema, for which there is no cure, but symptom management and disease progression slowing are possible through treatments.
  • Common emphysema symptoms include shortness of breath, cough with mucus, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, and finger clubbing.
  • Diagnosis involves physical examination, chest X-ray, spirometry, blood gas tests, and CT scans of the lungs.
  • Treatment strategies include quitting smoking, medication (bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories), oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
  • While proper treatment can extend life and improve quality, emphysema can become severe, possibly requiring hospitalization or surgery.
  • Protecting the lungs from further damage by avoiding smoking and irritants and regular checkups is crucial for managing emphysema.

Synonyms Include:

  • Air trapping
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Lung hyperinflation
  • Obstructive lung disease
  • Smoker's lung
  • Vesicular emphysema
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Commonly asked questions

When to use a Pulmonary Emphysema ICD code?

Use a Pulmonary Emphysema ICD code when documenting a patient's medical records to specify the presence and type of emphysema for billing, statistical, and healthcare management purposes, such as treatment planning and tracking disease prevalence.

What are the common treatments for Pulmonary Emphysema Diagnosis Codes?

Common treatments for Pulmonary Emphysema Diagnosis Codes include quitting smoking, medications like bronchodilators and anti-inflammatories, oxygen therapy, and participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These codes help healthcare providers identify the condition and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

What does a diagnosis code for Pulmonary Emphysema mean?

A diagnosis code for Pulmonary Emphysema serves as a standardized way to communicate and record the presence of the condition in a patient's medical history. It provides essential information to healthcare providers, insurers, and researchers about emphysema's specific type and severity, aiding in appropriate care and data analysis.

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