J95.1

Billable

Acute pulmonary insufficiency following thoracic surgery

HCC Category Mapping

V24HCC 84 — Cardio-Respiratory Failure and Shock

0.402

ESRDHCC 84 — Cardio-Respiratory Failure and Shock

0.000

What This Code Means

Sudden difficulty breathing or lung failure that occurs shortly after chest surgery.

Coding Tips

•Link this code to the principal surgical procedure code for context
•Document the timing of onset relative to the surgical procedure

Clinical Significance

Acute pulmonary insufficiency following thoracic surgery is a recognized complication where lung function deteriorates acutely after chest surgery such as lobectomy, pneumonectomy, or cardiac surgery. The close anatomical relationship between the surgical field and lung tissue makes this a predictable but serious complication requiring intensive monitoring and potentially mechanical ventilation.

Documentation Requirements

✓Documentation of the specific thoracic surgical procedure that preceded the pulmonary insufficiency
✓Timing of onset relative to surgery confirming postoperative relationship
✓Clinical evidence of pulmonary insufficiency (respiratory distress, abnormal ABG, need for supplemental oxygen or ventilation)
✓Documentation distinguishing from pre-existing respiratory conditions
✓Treatment provided including ventilatory support, medications, and interventions

Excludes 2 — Not included here, may code separately

Functional disturbances following cardiac surgery (I97.0, I97.1-)

Commonly Confused Codes

J95.2 — Acute pulmonary insufficiency following nonthoracic surgery is for non-chest surgeries J95.821 — Acute postprocedural respiratory failure is a more severe diagnosis implying frank respiratory failure J95.3 — Chronic pulmonary insufficiency following surgery is for long-term dysfunction, not acute onset J96.00 — Acute respiratory failure unspecified is a general code not linked to a specific surgical procedure

Code Hierarchy

└J95Intraoperative and postprocedural complications and disorders of respiratory system, not elsewhere classified └J95.1Acute pulmonary insufficiency following thoracic surgery

└J95.1Acute pulmonary insufficiency following thoracic surgery