"Ventilation" pneumonitis

This code describes inflammation of the lung tissue (pneumonitis) caused by the process of mechanical ventilation. It is a non-infectious inflammatory response, often due to barotrauma, volutrauma, or biotrauma associated with ventilator support. This condition can lead to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "ventilator-associated pneumonitis" or "ventilation pneumonitis" as a diagnosis, particularly in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. It is appropriate when the lung inflammation is directly attributed to the ventilatory support rather than an infectious etiology. Supporting documentation would include physician notes specifying the cause as ventilation.

• Differentiate from ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is an infectious process and coded differently.
• Ensure the documentation clearly links the pneumonitis to the mechanical ventilation.
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary condition necessitating mechanical ventilation, unless the pneumonitis is the primary reason for admission or further care.