ICD-10 Code J95.2 – Acute pulmonary insufficiency following nonthoracic surgery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J95.2 – Acute pulmonary insufficiency following nonthoracic surgery
What it is
Use this code for acute pulmonary insufficiency that develops after a nonthoracic operation. It describes postoperative breathing failure or inadequate lung function, not a chronic respiratory disorder.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the record shows new or worsening respiratory distress, impaired oxygenation, or need for respiratory support after surgery.
When to use this code
Assign J95.2 when the provider documents acute pulmonary insufficiency as a complication of a nonthoracic procedure. You may use it when postoperative respiratory compromise is clearly linked to the surgery and is not better described by another condition.
Review the operative note, progress notes, and discharge summary for explicit causal language. If documentation only mentions postoperative hypoxia, atelectasis, or respiratory symptoms without pulmonary insufficiency, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic lung disease, routine postoperative pain, or respiratory problems unrelated to surgery. Check documentation if the condition is instead a different postoperative complication.
Coding tip
Code J95.2 only when the provider clearly documents acute pulmonary insufficiency after a nonthoracic procedure.