ICD-10 code for Hydrothorax

The ICD-10-CM code for Hydrothorax is J94.8 (Other specified pleural conditions). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J94.8.

Within J94, choose J94.8 (Other specified pleural conditions) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Chylous effusion (J94.0), Fibrothorax (J94.1), hemothorax (J94.2) and pleural condition, unspecified (J94.9).

As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 186 (Pleural Effusion with MCC, relative weight 1.5835), DRG 187 (Pleural Effusion with CC, relative weight 1.0001), DRG 188 (Pleural Effusion without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6654), DRG 791 (Prematurity with Major Problems, relative weight 4.1075) and DRG 793 (Full Term Neonate with Major Problems, relative weight 4.2195), in MDC 04 (Diseases and Disorders of the Respiratory System) and MDC 15 (Newborns and Other Neonates with Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.