J70.8
BillableRespiratory conditions due to other specified external agents
HCC Category Mapping
V24HCC 112 — Fibrosis of Lung and Other Chronic Lung Disorders
0.268ESRDHCC 112 — Fibrosis of Lung and Other Chronic Lung Disorders
0.000What This Code Means
Lung and breathing problems caused by exposure to specific environmental or external substances other than drugs or smoke.
Coding Tips
- •Document the specific external agent causing the condition as clearly as possible in the medical record
- •Consider using external cause codes to fully capture the source of exposure
Clinical Significance
This code captures respiratory conditions from specified external agents not classified elsewhere, bridging the gap between chemical/drug/radiation/smoke categories. It is relevant for risk adjustment in V24 when a known environmental or external agent has caused documented respiratory disease that requires medical management.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Identification of the specific external agent causing the respiratory condition
- ✓Documentation that the agent does not fit J70.0-J70.5 categories (not radiation, drug, or smoke)
- ✓Clinical presentation and imaging findings
- ✓Exposure history and circumstances
- ✓External cause codes documenting the exposure source
- ✓Treatment plan and follow-up
Commonly Confused Codes
J70.0-J70.5 — always check these more specific codes first before using J70.8J70.9 (Respiratory conditions due to unspecified external agent) — J70.8 is for specified agents, J70.9 is for unknownJ68.8 (Other respiratory conditions due to chemicals) — chemical agents specificallyJ98.8 (Other specified respiratory disorders) — use J70.8 when an external agent is the documented cause
Code Hierarchy
└J70Respiratory conditions due to other external agents└J70.8Respiratory conditions due to other specified external agents
└J70.8Respiratory conditions due to other specified external agents