ICD-10 Code J95.4 – Chemical pneumonitis due to anesthesia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J95.4 – Chemical pneumonitis due to anesthesia
What it is
J95.4 identifies chemical pneumonitis caused by exposure to anesthetic agents or anesthesia-related substances. It describes lung inflammation from chemical irritation, not an infectious pneumonia.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include cough, shortness of breath, hypoxemia, and abnormal chest imaging after anesthesia exposure.
When to use this code
Use J95.4 when the record clearly states chemical pneumonitis due to anesthesia or an anesthesia-related chemical injury to the lungs. Code it when the provider links respiratory inflammation to the anesthetic event. If the note only says postoperative respiratory distress, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infectious pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, or nonspecific postoperative pulmonary complications unless chemical pneumonitis is documented. Check documentation if the cause is unclear.
Coding tip
Look for an explicit provider statement connecting the pneumonitis to anesthesia before coding J95.4.