ICD-10 Code I26.96 – Fat embolism of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I26.96 – Fat embolism of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale
What it is
This code identifies a fat embolus lodged in the pulmonary artery, without documentation of acute cor pulmonale. Use it when the record specifies fat embolism affecting the lungs and does not describe right heart strain.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings may include sudden respiratory distress, hypoxemia, chest symptoms, or imaging evidence of pulmonary embolic obstruction.
When to use this code
Use I26.96 when the provider documents fat embolism of the pulmonary artery and explicitly states there is no acute cor pulmonale. It may appear after long-bone trauma, orthopedic procedures, or other settings where fat embolism is diagnosed. Code it from the provider’s confirmed diagnosis, not from suspicion alone.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the record documents acute cor pulmonale; that requires a different ICD-10-CM code. Also avoid it when the embolus type is not specified as fat embolism. Check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify both the embolus type and the absence of acute cor pulmonale before assigning I26.96.