Atelectasis ICD-10-CM Codes

Read this short guide to learn about Atelectasis ICD codes you can use.

By Jamie Frew on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

What are Atelectasis ICD-10-CM Codes?

If you’re looking for Atelectasis ICD codes, here they are:

J98.11 - Atelectasis: This code covers atelectasis, which is the collapse of part or all of a lung, affecting the alveoli and impairing oxygen exchange. It includes various forms such as acute, chronic, or compression atelectasis. This condition may also be associated with pulmonary collapse and requires assessment of lung status and the chest cavity.
P28.11 - Resorption atelectasis without respiratory distress syndrome: Used specifically for those with resorption atelectasis but without accompanying respiratory distress syndrome. This can occur during the perinatal period and may be observed alongside other diseases of the respiratory system.
P28.10 - Unspecified atelectasis of newborn: For newborns diagnosed with atelectasis where the specific type is not identified. This form of newborn atelectasis may also require monitoring for sleep apnea, particularly newborn sleep apnea.
P28.0 - Primary atelectasis of newborn: Used when a newborn’s lungs fail to fully expand at birth (primary atelectasis). It is critical to monitor the respiratory system closely to avoid complications.
P28.19 - Other atelectasis of newborn: For other types of atelectasis in newborns that do not have a specific ICD-10 code. These cases often involve additional code considerations.

Which Atelectasis ICD-10-CM Codes are billable?

All of the aforementioned Atelectasis ICD codes are valid and billable.

Clinical information

Atelectasis is the term healthcare professionals use when referring to the collapse of one or several parts of a lung or the whole lung. The parts it affects explicitly are the alveoli, tiny air sacs in our lungs responsible for spreading oxygen to our bloodstream, which then goes to our organs and tissues. This disruption in the respiratory system can complicate other diseases and may arise from occupational exposure or tobacco smoke.

If a person is not getting enough oxygen, the alveoli will fail to inflate. If the alveoli are unable to inflate, they might collapse. This is dangerous because our organs and tissues require oxygen. They will have trouble performing their respective functions if they don't get enough oxygen. The lack of oxygen can also damage them. If organs suffer damage due to the lack of oxygen in the blood, it can lead to unwanted complications and death.

Atelectasis can also be caused by pressure outside the lungs, limited airflow, and blockages. In some rare cases, tuberculous atelectasis may occur. In medically induced therapeutic collapse, coding guidelines recommend referencing the current disease status and determining if an additional code is needed to reflect tobacco dependence or tobacco use history.

Synonyms include

Acute atelectasis
Chronic atelectasis
Complete atelectasis
Complete atelectasis of the left lung
Complete atelectasis of the right lung
Compression atelectasis
Discoid atelectasis
Focal atelectasis
Linear atelectasis
Obstructive atelectasis
Postoperative atelectasis
Traumatic atelectasis

Commonly asked questions

There are several types of Atelectasis. Here are some examples:

Compressive Atelectasis is characterized by fluids, blood, tumors, or air pushing against a lung until it collapses.
Contraction Atelectasis is characterized by lung scarring, usually preventing the alveoli from opening.
Obstructive Atelectasis is characterized by the collapse of alveoli due to blockages caused by mucus, tumors, or foreign bodies that were accidentally inhaled.
Resorptive Atelectasis is characterized by the lack of new oxygen entering the alveoli, and this lack will cause the alveoli to collapse.

No, but they are related. Atelectasis is the collapse of the lung's alveoli, which results in the collapse of the lung. Pneumothorax is characterized by air leaking into the chest cavity, specifically in the area around the lung. The air will compress this area, which causes the lung to collapse.

It depends on what caused the collapse and how bad the collapse was. Mild cases of Atelectasis don’t require any treatment (though monitoring is still essential), and the person will get better on their own.

For cases that do require something to be done from the healthcare professional’s end, treatment can include bronchoscopies to remove obstructions, the use of bronchodilators to open up a patient’s airways, and suggesting deep breathing exercises and physical therapy focused on the expansion of the lungs.

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