Air embolism as a complication of medical care, not elsewhere classified

This code represents the presence of air within the circulatory system that occurs as an unintended consequence of medical intervention. This condition can obstruct blood flow and lead to serious, potentially life-threatening, complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, or respiratory failure. It specifically refers to iatrogenic air emboli not classified under more specific codes.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates an air embolism developed due to a medical procedure, diagnostic test, or therapeutic intervention. Examples include air entry during central line insertion/removal, surgical procedures, or insufflation for endoscopy. The medical record must explicitly link the air embolism to the medical care provided.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the primary condition or complication that necessitated the medical care.
• Ensure documentation specifies the air embolism is a complication of medical care and not spontaneous or traumatic in origin.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific code exists for a particular type of air embolism (e.g., obstetric air embolism).