ICD-10 Code J93.82 – Other air leak (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J93.82 – Other air leak
What it is
J93.82 identifies an air leak in the chest that is not classified elsewhere. Use it when documentation describes air escaping from the lung or pleural space, but the record does not support a more specific pneumothorax code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see chest pain, shortness of breath, decreased breath sounds, or imaging evidence of air outside the lung, depending on the source and extent of the leak.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents an “air leak” and does not specify a more exact diagnosis. It may apply in postoperative or traumatic settings, or when a persistent pleural air leak is noted. Check documentation for laterality, cause, and whether a more specific code is available.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a clearly documented pneumothorax with a more specific ICD-10-CM option. Do not assign it when the chart only suggests possible air leak without confirmation.
Coding tip
Code the most specific documented chest air-leak diagnosis first, and use J93.82 only when the record supports “other air leak” but no better code.