Accidental pnctr & lac of a resp sys org dur resp sys proc

This code signifies an unintended injury, such as a perforation or tear, to an organ or structure within the respiratory system that occurs as a direct complication during a respiratory system surgical or diagnostic procedure. This includes accidental damage to the trachea, bronchi, lungs, or pleura.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an iatrogenic puncture or laceration of a respiratory organ during a procedure like bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, lung biopsy, or tracheostomy. The physician's operative report or procedure notes must explicitly state the accidental injury and its association with the respiratory procedure.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the primary reason for the encounter or the complication code if applicable.
• Distinguish from intentional therapeutic perforations or lacerations, which are not coded here.
• Ensure documentation specifies which respiratory organ or structure was injured.