Pleurisy

This code represents inflammation of the pleura, the membranes lining the lungs and chest cavity, without the presence of fluid accumulation. It is characterized by sharp chest pain, often worsened by breathing, coughing, or sneezing, due to the inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing against each other. This condition can be a symptom of various underlying diseases, including infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "pleurisy" or "pleuritis" without any mention of pleural effusion. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing pleuritic chest pain, friction rub on auscultation, and imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray) that confirm pleural inflammation but show no evidence of fluid.

• Do not use this code if the documentation indicates pleurisy with effusion; instead, refer to J90.
• Always code the underlying cause of the pleurisy first, if known and documented (e.g., pneumonia, lupus).
• Ensure the documentation clearly differentiates between pleuritic pain (a symptom) and pleurisy (the diagnosis of inflammation).