Postprocedural pneumothorax

This code represents a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) that occurs as a direct complication of a medical or surgical procedure. It signifies the presence of air in the pleural space, leading to partial or complete lung collapse, which developed after an intervention.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a pneumothorax developed post-procedure, such as after central line insertion, thoracentesis, lung biopsy, or other thoracic surgeries. The physician's notes should explicitly link the pneumothorax to the preceding procedure.

• Distinguish from spontaneous pneumothorax (J93.1-) or traumatic pneumothorax (S27.0-).
• Always sequence this code after the code for the underlying procedure if the procedure is being reported.
• Ensure documentation specifies the procedure that led to the pneumothorax.