Iatrogenic pneumothorax

This code identifies a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) that is an unintended consequence of a medical intervention or procedure. It signifies a complication directly caused by diagnostic or therapeutic actions, rather than spontaneous occurrence or trauma.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a pneumothorax developed as a direct result of a procedure such as central line insertion, thoracentesis, lung biopsy, or mechanical ventilation. The physician's notes must explicitly link the pneumothorax to the iatrogenic cause.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the underlying condition or reason for the procedure.
• Ensure documentation specifies "iatrogenic" or clearly links the pneumothorax to a medical procedure; otherwise, a spontaneous pneumothorax code may be more appropriate.
• Do not confuse with codes for spontaneous pneumothorax (e.g., 512.0) or traumatic pneumothorax (e.g., 860.x).