Acute pulmonary insufficiency following thoracic surgery

This code signifies a sudden and severe impairment of lung function, leading to inadequate oxygenation or ventilation, that develops as a direct complication after any surgical procedure involving the chest cavity. It indicates the lungs are failing to adequately perform their gas exchange role post-thoracic intervention.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states acute respiratory failure or insufficiency occurring after a thoracic surgical procedure (e.g., lobectomy, pneumonectomy, thoracotomy). Supporting documentation should detail the acute onset of respiratory distress, hypoxemia, or hypercapnia directly attributable to the recent surgery.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the pulmonary insufficiency to a thoracic surgical procedure.
• Distinguish from chronic pulmonary insufficiency or acute respiratory failure due to other causes.
• Do not use for functional disturbances following cardiac surgery; refer to the Excludes2 note for appropriate codes.