ICD-10 Code I26 – Pulmonary Embolism (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I26 – Pulmonary embolism
What it is
I26 identifies a pulmonary embolism, meaning a blood clot or other material has blocked one or more arteries in the lungs. Use the code when documentation confirms embolic obstruction in the pulmonary circulation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, or signs of acute respiratory distress, but the record should support the diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use I26 when the provider documents pulmonary embolism as the confirmed diagnosis, whether acute, chronic, or unspecified within the record. It also applies when imaging or specialist notes clearly support embolic disease in the pulmonary arteries.
If the chart states suspected PE, ruled-out PE, or “history of PE” without current disease, do not code I26. Code only what is actually documented and supported in the encounter.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, or nonspecific chest pain without documented embolism. If the note is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm whether the provider documents pulmonary embolism explicitly, because “rule out” and “history of” are not enough for I26.