ICD-10 Code I26.90 – Septic pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I26.90 – Septic pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
What it is
I26.90 identifies a septic pulmonary embolism, meaning infected material has traveled to the lungs and caused embolic disease. Use it when the record specifies this diagnosis and does not document acute cor pulmonale.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the chart may note pulmonary embolic findings with an infectious source, such as bacteremia, endocarditis, or another septic focus.
When to use this code
Use I26.90 when the clinician documents septic pulmonary embolism and explicitly states there is no acute cor pulmonale. It may appear in hospital, emergency, or infectious disease records when emboli are described as infected. Code the condition as documented; do not infer the septic source if it is not stated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonseptic pulmonary embolism or for pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale. If the record is unclear about infection or right heart strain, check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the septic nature of the embolus and the absence of acute cor pulmonale before assigning I26.90.