Mult subsegmental throm pulm emboli w/o acute cor pulmonale

This code signifies the presence of multiple blood clots in the smaller, subsegmental arteries of the lungs, without evidence of acute right-sided heart failure. These emboli obstruct blood flow to portions of the lung tissue, potentially leading to respiratory compromise. The "thrombotic" aspect indicates the clots originated from thrombi, typically from deep vein thrombosis.

Use this code when diagnostic imaging (e.g., CT pulmonary angiography) confirms multiple subsegmental pulmonary emboli. Documentation must explicitly state the absence of acute cor pulmonale, which would be indicated by signs of right ventricular strain or failure. This code is appropriate for patients presenting with symptoms like dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, or hypoxemia, where imaging localizes the emboli to the subsegmental level.

• Ensure documentation specifies "multiple" and "subsegmental" to accurately assign this code.
• Distinguish from codes for single or massive pulmonary emboli, or those with acute cor pulmonale.
• Always code the underlying cause of the pulmonary embolism (e.g., DVT) if known and still active.