2025 ICD-10-CM code I88.9
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the circulatory system - Diseases of veins, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not elsewhere classified IX Feed
Nonspecific lymphadenitis, unspecified. Lymphadenitis NOS.
Medical necessity is based on the evaluation and diagnosis of the lymphadenopathy.Further investigation to rule out other causes of lymphadenitis may be medically necessary.
In simple words: Swollen lymph nodes where the cause or specific location isn't known.
Nonspecific lymphadenitis affecting an unspecified area.Lymphadenitis not otherwise specified.
Example 1: A patient presents with swollen lymph nodes in the neck, but no specific cause is identified after testing. The physician documents "nonspecific lymphadenitis.", A patient has enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit following a minor skin infection, but the infection has resolved. The lymphadenitis persists but isn't associated with any other symptoms. The physician diagnoses "nonspecific lymphadenitis.", During a routine physical exam, a physician notes slightly enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. The patient denies any pain or other symptoms, and no cause for the enlargement is found. The finding is documented as "nonspecific lymphadenitis."
Documentation should support the presence of lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes) and the lack of a specific identifiable cause. Location of the affected lymph nodes should be noted.
** Consider other diagnoses if a specific cause for the lymphadenitis is found. Review excludes1 notes to ensure accurate coding.
- Specialties:Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease, Hematology/Oncology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Independent Clinic