Pulmonary Embolism ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about the pulmonary embolism ICD-10-CM codes you can use through this guide.

By Matt Olivares on Aug 8, 2025.

What ICD-10 codes are used for pulmonary embolism?

ICD-10 codes are alphanumeric codes used in medical billing to categorize diseases and conditions. For pulmonary embolism, specific codes are used to document and bill for this serious condition. It results from a blood clot traveling to the lungs from deep veins in the legs, causing potentially life-threatening blockages.

Here are commonly used pulmonary embolism ICD codes, along with their clinical descriptions:

I26.0 - Pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale: This code indicates a pulmonary embolism that causes acute cor pulmonale, a condition characterized by right-sided heart failure due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
I26.9 - Pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale: This code is used when a pulmonary embolism occurs without causing acute cor pulmonale.
I26.92 - Saddle embolus of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale: This code is used when a large blood clot, also known as a saddle embolus, lodges at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, without causing acute cor pulmonale.
I26.02 - Saddle embolus of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale: This code is used when a large blood clot lodges at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, leading to acute cor pulmonale.

I26.99 - Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale: This code is utilized when a pulmonary embolism occurs in other parts of the pulmonary artery, not at the bifurcation, and without causing acute cor pulmonale.
I26.09 - Other pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale: This code is used when a pulmonary embolism occurs, and there is mention of acute cor pulmonale, but specific details about the location of the embolism are not provided.
I26.90 - Septic pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale: This code is used when a pulmonary embolism is caused by infected material, such as a septic thrombus, traveling through the bloodstream to the lungs. This is without acute cor pulmonale.
I26.09 - Other pulmonary embolism with acute cor pulmonale: This code is used for cases of pulmonary embolism that cause acute cor pulmonale but do not fit the descriptions provided by other specific codes.

Healthcare providers use these ICD-10 codes to document and bill for pulmonary embolism cases accurately. Proper coding ensures appropriate reimbursement and helps maintain accurate medical records, vital for patient care and research.

Which pulmonary embolism ICD codes are billable?

All of the aforementioned ICD-10 codes for pulmonary embolism are valid and billable except for I26.0 and I26.9.

Clinical information

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a serious medical condition where a blood clot, typically originating from the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), travels to the lungs and causes a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries.
The blockage disrupts blood flow, reducing oxygen supply to the lungs and potentially to other vital organs.
Common risk factors for PE include prolonged immobility (e.g., bed rest, long journeys), recent surgery, trauma, cancer, pregnancy, smoking, and a history of blood clots.
Symptoms of PE can vary but may include sudden onset of chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), and anxiety.
PE can range from mild to life-threatening, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like pulmonary infarction, right-sided heart failure, or even death.
Diagnostic tests for PE may include CT angiography, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, and D-dimer blood test to detect clot breakdown products.
Treatment often involves anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) to prevent further clotting and allow the body's natural mechanisms to dissolve the clot over time.
In severe cases or when anticoagulants are contraindicated, clot-dissolving medications (thrombolytics) or surgical procedures like thrombectomy may be necessary to remove the clot.
Patients with a history of PE may require long-term anticoagulation therapy to prevent recurrence.
Prevention strategies include surgical and medical care, early ambulation after surgery, compression stockings during prolonged immobility use, and prophylactic anticoagulation in high-risk individuals.

Synonyms include

Pulmonary thromboembolism
PE
Lung embolism
Pulmonary artery embolism
Pulmonary blood clot
Lung clot
Pulmonary vascular occlusion
Obstruction of pulmonary artery
Pulmonary embolic event
Pulmonary embolism complicating abortion
Chronic pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism complicating pregnancy
Primary pulmonary hypertension accompanying pulmonary embolism
Thromboembolism pulmonary
Infarction (pulmonary) due to pulmonary embolism
Other secondary pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary embolism
Septic embolism (pulmonary)
Pulmonary embolism with vascular complications
Molar pregnancy leading to pulmonary embolism

Popular search terms for pulmonary embolism ICD-10 codes

Pulmonary embolism ICD-10 codes
ICD-10 pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism diagnosis codes
ICD-10 codes for pulmonary embolism

Commonly asked questions

Use a pulmonary embolism ICD code when documenting and billing for cases of pulmonary embolism in medical records and insurance claims.

Common treatments for pulmonary embolism include anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), thrombolytic therapy, and in severe cases, surgical procedures like thrombectomy.

A diagnosis code for pulmonary embolism is a specific alphanumeric code used in medical billing and coding to identify and categorize the condition of a patient with a blood clot in the lungs. It helps healthcare providers communicate the diagnosis and seek reimbursement for services.

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