What bilateral pulmonary embolism ICD codes can I use?
Bilateral pulmonary embolism is a serious condition where blood clots obstruct both pulmonary arteries, compromising oxygen exchange and increasing cardiac strain. As of 2025, there is still no specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code labeled explicitly for “bilateral pulmonary embolism”. However, providers can accurately document the condition using general pulmonary embolism ICD-10 codes and specifying “bilateral” in the clinical notes for reimbursement purposes and clarity.
For coding and billing, the following ICD-10-CM codes remain valid and billable in 2025.
- I26.01 – Septic pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale: This ICD-10-CM diagnosis code applies to septic pulmonary embolism cases involving infected clots that migrate to the pulmonary artery, accompanied by acute cor pulmonale (right heart strain).
- I26.02 – Saddle embolus of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale: Use this code when a saddle embolus — a large clot lodged at the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery — is present alongside acute cor pulmonale. This type of pulmonary embolism with acute coronary causes a high mortality risk.
- I26.09 – Other pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale: This code is used for other thrombotic pulmonary embolism types involving acute right heart failure.
- I26.90 – Septic pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale: This ICD-10 code refers to septic emboli without acute cor pulmonale, typically secondary to infection-related clots from sources like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- I26.99 – Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale: Use this for other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale, including multiple subsegmental or lobar clots not leading to right heart strain. Also updated in 2025 to include “other thrombotic pulmonary embolism.”
- I27.82 – Chronic pulmonary embolism: This code is used when emboli persist over time, often progressing into chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).