ICD-10 Code J93.11 – Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J93.11 – Primary spontaneous pneumothorax
What it is
J93.11 identifies a primary spontaneous pneumothorax, meaning air has entered the pleural space without trauma or another known lung disease. It is a collapsed lung event that occurs unexpectedly.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, often in an otherwise healthy person. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J93.11 when the record clearly states primary spontaneous pneumothorax or spontaneous collapse of the lung without an underlying lung disorder. Apply it for confirmed cases documented by imaging or provider assessment. Do not use it when the pneumothorax is traumatic, iatrogenic, or secondary to another pulmonary condition.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for traumatic pneumothorax, postoperative pneumothorax, or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Check documentation if the cause or timing is unclear.
Coding tip
Code only when the provider documents the pneumothorax as primary and spontaneous; if the cause is stated elsewhere, verify the correct category first.