2025 ICD-10-CM code I88.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Diseases of the circulatory system - Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99) Feed
Chronic lymphadenitis, excluding mesenteric lymphadenitis.
Modifiers may be used depending on the context of the encounter and specific clinical circumstances (e.g., bilateral lymphadenopathy).
Medical necessity is established when the patient presents with clinical evidence of chronic lymphadenopathy, which warrants further investigation to rule out serious underlying conditions and provide appropriate management.Documentation should support the clinical findings and the need for diagnostic testing and treatment.The lack of resolution over an extended period would support the clinical diagnosis of chronic lymphadenopathy.
The clinical responsibility for this code involves establishing the diagnosis through a thorough history, physical examination, and potentially imaging (ultrasound, CT scan) and/or biopsy to determine the etiology of the lymphadenopathy.Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or management of the underlying condition.
- Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I99)
- I80-I89 (Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified)
In simple words: This code means there's ongoing swelling and inflammation in the lymph nodes (small glands that help fight infection) that aren't in the area of your intestines.It's a chronic condition, meaning it lasts a long time, and your doctor will likely need to find out what's causing it.
ICD-10-CM code I88.1 designates chronic inflammation of lymph nodes, excluding those in the mesentery (the membrane connecting the intestines to the abdominal wall).This code encompasses persistent or recurring enlargement and inflammation of lymph nodes outside the mesenteric region, which may be caused by various infections, autoimmune disorders, or other underlying conditions.Further investigation is usually necessary to determine the underlying etiology.
Example 1: A 50-year-old female presents with persistent swelling in the cervical lymph nodes (neck) for the past six months. Physical exam reveals firm, non-tender lymph nodes.Biopsy is performed, revealing chronic inflammation. I88.1 is assigned., A 35-year-old male presents with enlarged axillary lymph nodes (armpit) for three years.He has a history of recurrent bacterial skin infections.Bloodwork and imaging reveal no other abnormalities.The physician determines the cause to be recurrent low grade inflammation without any other specific diagnoses. I88.1 is coded., A 22-year-old female has experienced slowly enlarging inguinal lymph nodes (groin) over two years with associated discomfort. Imaging suggests chronic inflammation.The patient is further evaluated for other potential conditions;I88.1 is assigned pending further investigation to identify the underlying etiology.
Detailed history of the onset, duration, and characteristics of lymphadenopathy, including location, size, consistency, tenderness, and associated symptoms.Results of any physical examination findings, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI), laboratory tests (complete blood count, inflammatory markers), and biopsy reports should be documented.In addition, any information about potential risk factors such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or malignancies should be documented.
** Further investigations may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the chronic lymphadenitis, which could significantly impact reimbursement. It is important to accurately document the patient's history, physical examination findings, and results of any diagnostic tests to support the coding selection.This code is generally used for diagnostic purposes and may be accompanied by additional codes for the underlying cause if known.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Hematology, Oncology, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient