Hemoptysis

This code signifies the coughing up of blood or blood-stained sputum from the respiratory tract. It indicates bleeding originating from the lungs or bronchial tubes, ranging from streaks of blood to frank hemorrhage.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states hemoptysis as a presenting symptom or a diagnosed condition. This includes scenarios where the patient reports coughing up blood, or it is observed during examination. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the symptom.

• Always code the underlying cause of hemoptysis if known and documented (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, lung cancer).
• This code should be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis when the definitive cause is identified and coded as the primary.
• Distinguish from hematemesis (vomiting blood), which originates from the gastrointestinal tract.