icd 10 code for calcified pleural plaque without asbestos

by Turner Huels 6 min read

J92.9

What is the ICD 10 code for pleural plaque without asbestos?

Pleural plaque without asbestos. J92.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2018/2019 edition of ICD-10-CM J92.9 became effective on October 1, 2018. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of J92.9 - other international versions of ICD-10 J92.9 may differ.

How common are pleural plaques from asbestos exposure?

The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, identified pleural plaques in 7.4 percent of patients exposed to asbestos between one and nine years. More than 50 percent of patients with 40 or more years of asbestos exposure developed plaques.

What percentage of pleural plaques become calcified?

In 20 percent of cases, pleural plaques become calcified. As calcium deposits build up in them, the scar tissue hardens. Rarely, calcified pleural plaques can inhibit lung function and cause patients to have trouble breathing.

What is the ICD 10 code for thickening of pleura?

Thickening of pleura ICD-10-CM J92.9 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group (s) (MS-DRG v38.0): 193 Simple pneumonia and pleurisy with mcc 194 Simple pneumonia and pleurisy with cc

What does calcified pleural plaques mean?

Pleural plaques are usually asymptomatic but are a marker of asbestos exposure, indicating greater risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis or asbestos-related malignancies. They are composed of dense and relatively acellular connective tissue. They often have a rectangular shape and may be calcified or not.

Is pleural plaques the same as asbestosis?

But there is no scientific evidence that having pleural plaques increases the risk any further. So, if you've been exposed to asbestos you should not worry if you're told you have pleural plaques. Pleural plaques aren't the same as asbestosis and they aren't a form of cancer.

What is the ICD-10 code for pleural thickening?

J94. 9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM J94.

What is the difference between pleural plaques and pleural thickening?

Pleural plaques are usually “focal” in nature – they only form in small, singular areas, unlike pleural thickening which is more widespread. It only takes minimal exposure to asbestos dust and fibres to cause pleural plaques to develop.

What are pleural plaques in the lungs?

Pleural plaques are the most common sign of past exposure to asbestos. They are areas of slight fibrous thickening on the pleura – the lining of the lungs and rib cage. The disease usually develops 20 to 30 years after exposure to, and the inhalation of, asbestos dust and fibres.

Can you claim for pleural plaques?

This decision was made by the House of Lords, now known as the Supreme Court of Justice. Although pleural plaques indicate exposure to asbestos, there are no symptoms. Because of this, the courts do not recognise it as an injury or disability for which compensation is payable.

What is the ICD-10 code for pleural plaque?

ICD-10 code J92. 9 for Pleural plaque without asbestos is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the respiratory system .

What is pleural Nodularity?

Pleural nodules and masses can be divided into tumoral lesions and tumorlike conditions. True tumoral lesions are classified as metastatic or primary, the latter of which can be malignant or benign. The most common pleural tumor is metastatic cancer, and the most common primary pleural tumor is mesothelioma [2], [3].

What is pleural thickening in the lungs?

Pleural thickening refers to a thickening of the lining of the lungs, the pleura, which is a thin layer of membrane that covers the inside of the rib-cage as well as the outside of the lungs. Diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) is diagnosed when the pleura thickens to the extent that it causes breathlessness.

What is asbestos related pleural disease?

Pleural disease, a hallmark of asbestos exposure, includes formation of pleural plaques, calcification, thickening, rounded atelectasis, adhesions, effusion, and mesothelioma. Diagnosis is based on history and chest x-ray or CT findings. Treatment is supportive.

How do you tell if you have asbestos in your lungs?

Asbestosis signs and symptoms may include:Shortness of breath.A persistent, dry cough.Chest tightness or pain.Dry and crackling sounds in your lungs when you inhale.Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than usual (clubbing)

Are pleural plaques serious?

No — unlike some other asbestos-related diseases, pleural plaques are generally not harmful. Most doctors suggest that patients with pleural plaques do not need any form of medical intervention.

Why is it challenging to estimate the exact prevalence of pleural plaques in people exposed to asbestos?

It is challenging to estimate the exact prevalence of pleural plaques in people exposed to asbestos because most people with past exposure are not routinely screened for these fibrous pleural changes.

How to diagnose pleural plaques?

Diagnosis with CT Scan. A CT scan is the preferred method for diagnosing this condition, as it can identify plaques anywhere in the chest, even if they are not calcified. In 95% to 100% of cases, a CT scan can correctly identify patients who have this condition. When pleural plaques are first discovered, your health care provider will evaluate your ...

What Are Pleural Plaques?

Close-up X-ray of calcified asbestos ple ural plaques. The translucent white areas behind the rib cage show the pleural plaques.

Where Do Pleural Plaques Develop?

Pleural plaques most commonly develop on the parietal pleura, which lines the inside of the rib cage. They also can form on the visceral pleura, which lines the lungs.

How Are Pleural Plaques Treated?

Treatment is not necessary because pleural plaques are noncancerous and the majority of patients do not experience a loss in lung function.

How to prevent asbestos exposure?

However, these steps can prevent further damage: 1 Quit Smoking: Ask your doctor for help with a smoking cessation program. 2 Avoid Further Asbestos Exposure: If you must work around asbestos, use personal protective equipment such as a respirator and disposable coveralls. 3 Minimize Exposure to Air Pollution: If you live in an area with wildfires and other sources of heavy air pollution, heed warnings to stay indoors when pollution levels are highest.

Do pleural plaques show symptoms?

The majority of people with pleural plaques do not show obvious symptoms. But some patients describe pain or an uncomfortable, grating sensation as they breathe.