ICD-10 Code I26.01 – Septic pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I26.01 – Septic pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale
What it is
I26.01 identifies a septic embolus traveling to the pulmonary arteries that is associated with acute cor pulmonale. Use it when infection-related emboli cause sudden right-sided heart strain.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include evidence of septic emboli in the lungs plus acute right heart strain or failure noted by the clinician.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly links septic pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale. The provider should document both the embolic infection and the acute cor pulmonale relationship. If the record mentions septic pulmonary embolism without cor pulmonale, choose the more specific documented code instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonseptic pulmonary embolism or for chronic cor pulmonale. Check documentation if acute right heart strain is not explicitly tied to the septic embolic event.
Coding tip
Code the septic embolism and acute cor pulmonale only when the provider establishes the causal link in the chart.