ICD-10 Code J84.9 – Interstitial Pulmonary Disease, Unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J84.9 – Interstitial pulmonary disease, unspecified
What it is
J84.9 identifies interstitial pulmonary disease when the specific type is not documented. It covers diffuse lung conditions affecting the tissue and spaces around the air sacs, without naming a more precise diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include shortness of breath, dry cough, and imaging or examination notes suggesting interstitial lung involvement.
When to use this code
Use J84.9 when the record states interstitial pulmonary disease but does not specify a subtype. It is also appropriate when the clinician documents an interstitial lung process and no more detailed diagnosis is available. Check documentation if another interstitial lung disease is named.
Do not use for
Do not use J84.9 when the chart identifies a specific interstitial lung disease, such as a named fibrotic or occupational condition. Avoid it if the diagnosis is better described by another pulmonary code.
Coding tip
Query for the exact interstitial lung diagnosis whenever the documentation is vague, because J84.9 is only for unspecified cases.