Acute pulmonary manifestations due to radiation

This code signifies an acute inflammatory response of the lung tissue resulting from exposure to therapeutic radiation, typically for cancer treatment. It encompasses conditions like radiation pneumonitis that manifest shortly after or during radiation therapy.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates acute lung symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnea, fever) directly attributed to recent radiation exposure. The physician's notes should explicitly link the pulmonary findings to the radiation treatment.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "acute" manifestations; chronic radiation pneumonitis codes are distinct.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying malignancy (e.g., C34.- for lung cancer) and any relevant encounter for antineoplastic therapy (Z51.0).
• Distinguish from other forms of pneumonitis (e.g., drug-induced, aspiration) as the etiology is specific to radiation.