Cor pulmonale (chronic)

This code signifies chronic cor pulmonale, a condition characterized by right ventricular enlargement and failure resulting from pulmonary hypertension caused by underlying lung disease or disorders of the pulmonary vasculature. It represents the long-term cardiac complications directly attributable to chronic respiratory conditions.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic right heart failure secondary to chronic lung disease, such as severe COPD, interstitial lung disease, or chronic pulmonary embolism. The physician's assessment should explicitly link the right heart strain or failure to a chronic pulmonary etiology.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" cor pulmonale to differentiate from acute forms.
• Always code the underlying chronic lung disease or pulmonary vascular disorder first, as it is the etiology of the cor pulmonale.
• Do not code with I26.0- (acute cor pulmonale) due to the Excludes1 note.