ICD-10 Code J95.862 – Postprocedural seroma of a respiratory system organ or structure following a respiratory system procedure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J95.862 – Postprocedural seroma of a respiratory system organ or structure following a respiratory system procedure
What it is
This code identifies a seroma, or localized fluid collection, that develops after a procedure involving a respiratory system organ or structure. Use it when documentation clearly links the seroma to a prior respiratory procedure.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the record describes a postoperative fluid collection, swelling, or a confirmed seroma at the surgical site, with imaging or exam supporting the finding.
When to use this code
Use J95.862 when the provider documents a seroma as a complication of a respiratory system procedure, such as after surgery on the airway, lung, or related structure. The note should connect the fluid collection to the procedure, not to infection or another cause. If the documentation is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for seromas unrelated to a respiratory procedure or for general postoperative fluid collections without a documented respiratory system source. Do not assign it when the condition is better explained by infection, hematoma, or another postoperative complication.
Coding tip
Verify both the respiratory procedure and the postoperative seroma are documented, and code the complication only when the provider states the causal relationship.