ICD-10 Code J93.9 – Pneumothorax, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J93.9 – Pneumothorax, unspecified
What it is
J93.9 identifies a pneumothorax when the chart does not specify the cause, side, or type. It means air is present in the pleural space, which can partially or fully collapse the lung.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include sudden pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath, and reduced breath sounds on the affected side. Imaging is typically used to confirm the diagnosis.
When to use this code
Use J93.9 when the provider documents pneumothorax but does not identify whether it is traumatic, spontaneous, tension, or another specified form. It also fits when laterality is not documented. If the record gives a more specific type, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for traumatic pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, or postoperative air leak when a more specific diagnosis is documented. Check documentation if the note distinguishes pleural effusion, hemothorax, or another chest condition.
Coding tip
Assign J93.9 only when the documentation supports pneumothorax but lacks the detail needed for a more specific code.