ICD-10 Code J92 – Pleural plaque (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J92 – Pleural plaque
What it is
Pleural plaque is a localized area of thickening on the pleura, the lining around the lungs. It is usually a marker of prior asbestos exposure rather than a cancer diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Plaques are often found incidentally on chest imaging and may be asymptomatic, with calcification sometimes noted in standard radiology reports.
When to use this code
Use J92 when the provider documents pleural plaque or pleural plaques, with or without calcification. Code it when imaging or pathology identifies this pleural finding and the record does not describe a different pleural disorder.
If the note only mentions asbestos exposure without pleural plaque, do not assign this code. Check documentation for laterality, associated pleural disease, or other more specific diagnoses.
Do not use for
Do not use J92 for pleural effusion, pleurisy, or diffuse pleural thickening. It is also not the code for asbestos exposure alone.
Coding tip
Code the documented pleural plaque finding, and verify whether asbestos exposure is separately reported in the chart.