From the Research
The ICD-10 code for lung hyperinflation identified on chest x-ray is J98.4 (Other disorders of lung). This code is used to document hyperinflation of the lungs when found as a radiographic finding. When coding this condition, it's essential to also code any underlying cause if known, such as emphysema (J43.9), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (J44.9), or asthma (J45.909), as these are often the primary conditions with hyperinflation being a manifestation. Lung hyperinflation refers to an abnormal increase in lung volume, often due to air trapping, which appears as increased lucency and flattened diaphragms on chest imaging, as described in studies such as 1.
When documenting this finding, be specific about whether it's acute or chronic hyperinflation and include any associated clinical symptoms like dyspnea or decreased exercise tolerance, as this may affect coding precision and treatment planning, as noted in 2 and 3. The radiologist's report should be referenced for the exact terminology used to describe the hyperinflation finding. It's also important to consider the pathophysiology of lung hyperinflation, including its impact on symptoms and physical activity, as discussed in 4 and 5.
Key points to consider when coding lung hyperinflation include:
- The importance of specifying the underlying cause of hyperinflation, if known
- The need to document associated clinical symptoms and their impact on treatment planning
- The role of radiologist's report in describing the hyperinflation finding
- The pathophysiology of lung hyperinflation and its effects on symptoms and physical activity, as discussed in studies such as 1 and 5.