J90
Billable

Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified

Billable / Specific Code

What is Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified?

ICD-10-CM J90 is the diagnosis code for Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified. This code falls under the section "Other diseases of the pleura" within Chapter 10 — Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99). It is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for J90

✅ This Code Includes

  • Encysted pleurisy
  • Pleural effusion NOS
  • Pleurisy with effusion (exudative) (serous)

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as J90. They are mutually exclusive:

  • chylous (pleural) effusion (J94.0)
  • malignant pleural effusion (J91.0))
  • pleurisy NOS (R09.1)
  • tuberculous pleural effusion (A15.6)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where J90 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeJ90 — Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is J90 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

Yes, J90 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What does J90 mean?

J90 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is J90 in?

J90 is located in Section J90-J94 — "Other diseases of the pleura" within Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

When should I use J90?

Use J90 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified?

The ICD-10-CM code for Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified is J90.

Can J90 be used for primary diagnosis?

Yes, J90 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.

What chapter is J90 in?

J90 is in Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from J90?

Type 1 Excludes for J90 include: chylous (pleural) effusion (J94.0); malignant pleural effusion (J91.0)); pleurisy NOS (R09.1) and more.

Is J90 valid for 2026?

Yes, J90 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousJ86.9Pyothorax without fistulaNext →J91Pleural effusion in conditions classified elsewhere
Code Details
J90
Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified
Billable / Specific Code
10 — Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
J90-J94 — Other diseases of the pleura
2026 ICD-10-CM