ICD-10 Code J95.72 – Accidental puncture and laceration of a respiratory system organ or structure during other procedure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J95.72 – Accidental puncture and laceration of a respiratory system organ or structure during other procedure
What it is
This code reports an unintended puncture or tear of a respiratory organ or structure that occurs during another procedure. Use it when the injury is procedural and affects the airway, lungs, or related respiratory anatomy.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common clues include an intraoperative recognition of injury, unexpected bleeding, air leak, or need for immediate repair or additional intervention.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents an accidental puncture or laceration involving a respiratory system organ or structure during a procedure not specifically described elsewhere. It supports coding of a complication or injury that occurred as an operative event. Check documentation for the exact site and whether the injury was recognized during or after the procedure.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for intentional surgical incision, routine postoperative pain, or respiratory conditions unrelated to a procedure. Do not assign it if the record does not clearly document an accidental procedural injury.
Coding tip
Link the code to the procedure note and identify the specific respiratory structure injured whenever the documentation allows.