I27.82
BillableChronic pulmonary embolism
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 267 — Vascular Disease
0.356V24HCC 107 — Vascular Disease with Complications
0.450ESRDHCC 107 — Vascular Disease with Complications
0.000RxHCCHCC 184 — Pulmonary Hypertension, Other
0.000What This Code Means
This condition occurs when a blood clot remains in the lungs over a long period of time, causing ongoing problems with blood flow and oxygen delivery. It develops after an initial blood clot that doesn't fully resolve and continues to affect lung function.
Coding Tips
- •Verify documentation clearly states 'chronic' pulmonary embolism, as acute PE codes (I26.x) are used for recent clots; chronic PE typically develops weeks to months after the initial event
- •Look for associated conditions like pulmonary hypertension (I27.2x) or right heart strain that often accompany chronic PE, as these may require additional codes
Clinical Significance
Chronic pulmonary embolism represents persistent, unresolved thrombus in the pulmonary vasculature weeks to months after the initial embolic event. This condition requires ongoing anticoagulation and monitoring, and can progress to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. It indicates complex vascular disease with significant long-term management needs.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Provider diagnosis explicitly stating 'chronic' pulmonary embolism
- ✓History of prior acute pulmonary embolism
- ✓Imaging evidence of persistent thrombus (CT pulmonary angiography showing organized clot)
- ✓Documentation distinguishing this from acute pulmonary embolism
- ✓Current anticoagulation therapy and monitoring plan
Excludes 1 — Do NOT code together
- personal history of pulmonary embolism (Z86.711)
Use Additional Code
- code, if applicable, for associated long-term (current) use of anticoagulants (Z79.01)
Commonly Confused Codes
I26.99 — Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale; for acute events, not chronicI27.24 — Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; the hypertension resulting from chronic emboliI26.92 — Saddle embolus without acute cor pulmonale; a type of acute embolismZ86.711 — Personal history of pulmonary embolism; historical, not active chronic disease
Code Hierarchy
└I27Other pulmonary heart diseases└I27.8Other specified pulmonary heart diseases└I27.82Chronic pulmonary embolism
└I27.82Chronic pulmonary embolism