2025 ICD-10-CM code J70.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Respiratory - Lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70) Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99) Feed
Acute pulmonary manifestations due to radiation; also known as radiation pneumonitis.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of acute pulmonary manifestations directly attributable to documented radiation exposure.The severity of symptoms and the need for interventions such as hospitalization, oxygen therapy, or medications justify the use of this code.
The clinical responsibility involves diagnosing and managing the acute respiratory distress caused by radiation exposure.This includes assessing the patient's symptoms, performing imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan) to evaluate the extent of lung damage, and providing appropriate supportive care (e.g., oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, corticosteroids) to alleviate symptoms.In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.The physician must also consider and document the underlying cause of radiation exposure.
- Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
- J70: Respiratory conditions due to other external agents
In simple words: This code describes lung problems caused by radiation exposure.Radiation can inflame the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and fever. It is important to distinguish this from other lung problems that share similar symptoms.
J70.0, Acute pulmonary manifestations due to radiation, encompasses the acute inflammatory response in the lungs following exposure to ionizing radiation.This can manifest as radiation pneumonitis, characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and fever. The condition arises from direct damage to lung tissue caused by the radiation.Clinically, it's crucial to differentiate J70.0 from other lung diseases and conditions that may mimic its symptoms.Additional codes may be necessary to specify the external cause of the radiation exposure (e.g., W88-W90, X39.0- for external causes).
Example 1: A patient undergoing radiotherapy for lung cancer develops acute radiation pneumonitis, presenting with shortness of breath, cough, and fever.Imaging reveals bilateral lung infiltrates consistent with radiation injury., A radiation worker accidentally receives a high dose of ionizing radiation, resulting in acute respiratory distress. Chest X-ray shows significant pulmonary edema and inflammation., A patient who survived a nuclear accident experiences acute respiratory symptoms and is diagnosed with radiation-induced lung injury, requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation.
Thorough documentation is crucial, including details on radiation exposure (dose, type, source), complete patient history, presenting symptoms (severity and timeline), physical examination findings, results of imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT scan), and any laboratory test results.Progress notes should clearly document the patient's response to treatment.
** This code should only be applied when there is clear evidence of acute pulmonary manifestations directly resulting from radiation exposure.Differential diagnosis from other causes of lung inflammation is necessary.The severity of the condition can range from mild to life-threatening.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Oncology, Pulmonology, Radiation Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Oncology Clinic, Emergency Room - Hospital