2025 ICD-10-CM code J68.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the respiratory system - Chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors 10 Feed
Chronic respiratory conditions due to long-term exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes, and vapors.
Medical necessity is established by demonstrating a causal link between the exposure to the harmful substances and the development of the chronic respiratory condition. This might involve occupational history, environmental assessments, and clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis.
Physicians diagnosing and managing chronic respiratory conditions should utilize this code when the underlying cause is exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes, and vapors.It's essential to document the specific substance and the duration of exposure to support the diagnosis.
In simple words: This code signifies long-term lung problems caused by breathing in harmful substances like chemicals, gases, fumes, or vapors.
This code encompasses chronic respiratory conditions resulting from the inhalation of harmful substances like chemicals, gases, fumes, and vapors. These conditions can include emphysema, obliterative bronchiolitis, and pulmonary fibrosis.It's crucial to differentiate J68.4 from acute conditions (like pulmonary edema) resulting from similar exposures.
Example 1: A factory worker with prolonged exposure to asbestos develops pulmonary fibrosis., A firefighter who inhaled smoke and fumes during a chemical fire experiences long-term respiratory issues diagnosed as obliterative bronchiolitis., A long-term smoker develops emphysema, a chronic respiratory condition also covered by this code when linked to specific chemical exposure.
Documentation should include the type of chemical, gas, fume, or vapor involved, the duration and intensity of exposure, and evidence of the chronic respiratory condition, such as pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, and physical exam findings.
** Consider using additional codes (Z codes) to document exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22) or tobacco use (Z72.0) when applicable.
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Occupational Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, Independent Clinic, Federally Qualified Health Center