Air embolism

This code represents the presence of air or gas bubbles within the bloodstream, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to tissue ischemia or infarction. Air embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur during various medical procedures or traumatic injuries.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates the diagnosis of an air embolism. This often occurs as a complication of central venous catheter insertion, surgical procedures (especially neurosurgery or cardiac surgery), diving accidents (decompression sickness), or trauma. Documentation should specify the presence of air in the vascular system and associated clinical manifestations.

• Distinguish from fat embolism (958.1), which involves fat globules rather than air.
• Always code the underlying cause or associated procedure that led to the air embolism, if known, as a primary diagnosis or additional diagnosis.
• Review documentation for the specific site or type of embolism (e.g., cerebral, pulmonary) for more specific coding if available in ICD-10-CM.