In simple words: This code describes thickened areas on the lung's lining (pleura) that are not caused by asbestos.

This code classifies the presence of pleural plaques without evidence of asbestos exposure.Pleural plaques are areas of thickening on the pleura (lining of the lungs), often associated with prior exposure to asbestos, but this code specifically indicates the absence of such exposure. It includes cases where the etiology of pleural plaque is unknown or not asbestos-related.

Example 1: A 60-year-old male presents with shortness of breath.Chest X-ray reveals pleural plaques.Further investigation reveals no history of asbestos exposure, and J92.9 is coded., A 70-year-old female with a history of occupational exposure to dust (but not asbestos) undergoes a CT scan that shows pleural plaques.J92.9 is coded, with potential for additional codes specifying the dust exposure., A 55-year-old male patient, a former smoker, presents for a routine check-up. A chest X-ray incidentally reveals pleural plaques.No history of asbestos exposure. The physician codes J92.9, and may add a code for tobacco use history.

Detailed patient history, including occupational and environmental exposures (especially asbestos); imaging reports (chest X-ray, CT scan) showing pleural plaques; results of any asbestos testing; and physician's assessment and diagnosis.

** This code should only be used when pleural plaques are present, and there is clear documentation of the absence of asbestos exposure.If the cause of the pleural plaques is unknown, but asbestos exposure is not ruled out, further investigation may be necessary.