J85.0
BillableGangrene and necrosis of lung
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 283 — Lung Abscess/Gangrene of Lung
0.309V24HCC 115 — Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Empyema, Lung Abscess
0.339ESRDHCC 115 — Pneumococcal Pneumonia, Empyema, Lung Abscess
0.000What This Code Means
Death and decay of lung tissue due to loss of blood supply, a serious condition that can result from infection or other lung damage.
Coding Tips
- •Gangrene indicates tissue death; ensure documentation clearly supports this diagnosis rather than simple necrosis
- •Investigate the underlying cause (infection, infarction, trauma) and code accordingly if documented
Clinical Significance
Gangrene and necrosis of lung represents tissue death of lung parenchyma, typically resulting from severe infection, pulmonary infarction, or vascular compromise. This is a life-threatening condition indicating severe disease requiring aggressive treatment including broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical intervention, and intensive monitoring. It reflects very high complexity and resource utilization.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of gangrene or necrosis of lung tissue confirmed by imaging (CT showing non-enhancing lung tissue, cavitation, or air-crescent sign)
- ✓Identification of the underlying cause (severe pneumonia, pulmonary embolism with infarction, aspiration, vascular occlusion)
- ✓Culture results or organism identification if infectious
- ✓Surgical pathology if resection performed
- ✓Documentation of treatment including antibiotics, surgical debridement, or resection
Commonly Confused Codes
J85.2 — Abscess of lung without pneumonia involves pus collection without tissue death; gangrene implies tissue necrosisJ85.1 — Abscess of lung with pneumonia is a localized pus collection, not diffuse tissue necrosisI26.99 — Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale may cause pulmonary infarction leading to necrosis but is coded differentlyJ18.1 — Lobar pneumonia unspecified is an infection that may progress to gangrene but represents an earlier stage
Code Hierarchy
└J85Abscess of lung and mediastinum└J85.0Gangrene and necrosis of lung
└J85.0Gangrene and necrosis of lung