Find information on pulmonary thrombosis diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, medical coding (ICD-10 codes I26, I26.0, I26.9), diagnostic criteria, and healthcare best practices. Learn about symptoms, risk factors, and treatment for pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) related to pulmonary thrombosis. This resource offers guidance for physicians, nurses, and medical coders on accurate pulmonary thrombosis documentation and coding for optimal patient care and reimbursement.
Also known as
Pulmonary embolism
Blockage of pulmonary artery by blood clot.
Other venous embolism and thrombosis
Venous embolism and thrombosis not in pulmonary arteries.
Other pulmonary vascular disorders
Other specified disorders affecting pulmonary blood vessels.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the pulmonary thrombosis acute?
Yes
Saddle embolus?
No
Chronic or organized?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Pulmonary Thrombosis (PE) |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) |
| Pulmonary Embolism with Infarction |
Coding pulmonary thrombosis without specifying laterality (right, left, or bilateral) or saddle vs non-saddle can lead to claim denials.
Miscoding pulmonary embolism (PE) as massive or submassive PE when only pulmonary thrombosis (PT) is present can result in inaccurate DRG assignment.
Failing to document and code the chronicity of pulmonary thrombosis (acute, chronic, or acute on chronic) impacts severity and reimbursement.
Patient presents with complaints suggestive of pulmonary thrombosis, including acute onset dyspnea, chest pain pleuritic in nature, and tachypnea. Risk factors for pulmonary embolism (PE) such as recent surgery, prolonged immobility, oral contraceptive use, and family history of thromboembolic disease were assessed. Physical examination revealed tachycardia and decreased oxygen saturation. Differential diagnosis includes pneumonia, myocardial infarction, and pleurisy. D-dimer was elevated. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest was ordered to evaluate for pulmonary thromboembolism, revealing a filling defect in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery, confirming the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. Wells criteria score indicated intermediate probability. The patient's current medications include lisinopril for hypertension. The patient was started on anticoagulation therapy with apixaban for treatment of PE. Patient education was provided regarding the risks and benefits of anticoagulants, including bleeding precautions. Follow-up appointment scheduled to monitor treatment response and adjust anticoagulation if necessary. The diagnosis is pulmonary embolism (ICD-10 I26.9). Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for the visit and CTA will be documented separately. Plan includes continued anticoagulation, monitoring for bleeding complications, and assessment of risk factors for recurrence. Patient advised to report any signs or symptoms of bleeding immediately.