ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

J91Pleural effusion in conditions classified elsewhere

Not billable — use a more specific code

J91 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 2 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About J91

J91 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for pleural effusion in conditions classified elsewhere. It belongs to block J90-J94 (other diseases of the pleura) and chapter 10 (diseases of the respiratory system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 2 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: J91.0 (effusion) and J91.8 (elsewhere).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of J91, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: pleural effusion in heart failure (I50.-) and pleural effusion in systemic lupus erythematosus (M32.13).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under J91

Coding notes

Excludes2Not included here — may be reported together if both conditions exist

pleural effusion in heart failure (I50.-)
pleural effusion in systemic lupus erythematosus (M32.13)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to J91.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system.

Code history

2016
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2021
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2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about J91

Is J91 billable?: No. J91 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.