2025 ICD-10-CM code J94.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Respiratory System Diseases - Other diseases of the pleura X: Diseases of the respiratory system Feed
Chylous effusion is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid around the lungs.
Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of chylous effusion is established based on the patient's symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, chest pain), imaging findings demonstrating pleural effusion, and laboratory confirmation of chylous fluid.Treatment is medically necessary to address the underlying cause and relieve symptoms.The specific treatment approach (e.g., surgical repair, dietary modifications, chemotherapy) will depend on the underlying cause and severity.
The clinical responsibility involves diagnosing the underlying cause of the chylous effusion through history, physical examination, imaging (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan), and thoracentesis. Treatment may involve thoracic surgery, medical oncology, or other specialties depending on the cause.
In simple words: Chylous effusion means a milky fluid has built up around your lungs.This fluid is usually lymphatic fluid, and the buildup can happen for different reasons, like an injury, cancer, or a problem with the lymphatic system. Doctors might remove some of this fluid to test and find out why it's there.Treatment depends on the cause of the problem.
J94.0, Chylous effusion, refers to the accumulation of lymphatic fluid (chyle) in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall.This fluid is typically milky white due to its high lipid content.The condition can result from various causes, including trauma, malignancy, lymphatic obstruction, or congenital abnormalities.Diagnosis involves thoracentesis (removal of pleural fluid for analysis) to confirm the presence of chyle.Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity, and may involve drainage of the fluid, dietary modifications, and addressing the underlying condition.
Example 1: A patient presents after a motor vehicle accident with shortness of breath and chest pain. A chest X-ray reveals a large pleural effusion. Thoracentesis reveals chylous effusion. The underlying cause is determined to be traumatic disruption of the thoracic duct. , A patient with a history of lymphoma presents with increasing shortness of breath. Imaging reveals a large pleural effusion. Thoracentesis confirms chylous effusion, consistent with lymphatic obstruction due to tumor involvement. , A patient with a history of surgery for esophageal cancer develops a chylous effusion several weeks post-operatively due to injury to the lymphatic system. Diagnostic imaging and thoracentesis confirm the diagnosis.
Detailed history and physical examination, including mechanism of injury (if applicable).Imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT scan, possibly MRI).Thoracentesis report with fluid analysis (to confirm chylous effusion).Laboratory tests (e.g., complete blood count, lipid panel).Treatment plan and progress notes.
** Chylous effusion is a relatively uncommon condition that can be challenging to diagnose and treat.Careful consideration of the underlying cause and appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are crucial.
- Revenue Code: Revenue codes will vary depending on the specific services rendered (e.g., diagnostic testing, therapeutic procedures). Consult your payer's guidelines for appropriate revenue codes.
- RVU: RVUs are not assigned directly to ICD-10 codes. Reimbursement is determined by the procedures and services performed to diagnose and treat the chylous effusion, which are assigned RVUs depending on the complexity of the services.
- Global Days: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Fee Schedule: Not applicable to ICD-10 codes.
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Oncology, Gastroenterology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office