ICD-10 Code for Effusion

The ICD-10-CM 2027 alphabetic index lists effusion with the subterms below. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (21 codes, 14 billable).

Index entries for Effusion

amniotic fluid – see Pregnancy, complicated by, premature rupture of membranes
brain (serous) – G93.6
bronchial – see Bronchitis
cerebral – G93.6
cerebrospinal – see also Meningitis
- vessel – G93.6
chest – see Effusion, pleura
chylous, chyliform (pleura) – J94.0
intracranial – G93.6
joint – M25.40
- ankle – M25.47- (header)
- elbow – M25.42- (header)
- foot joint – M25.47- (header)
- hand joint – M25.44- (header)
- hip – M25.45- (header)
- knee – M25.46- (header)
- shoulder – M25.41- (header)
- specified joint NEC – M25.48
- wrist – M25.43- (header)
malignant pleural – J91.0
meninges – see Meningitis
pericardium, pericardial (noninflammatory) – I31.39
- acute – see Pericarditis, acute
- malignant, in disease classified elsewhere – I31.31
- specified type, NEC – I31.39
peritoneal (chronic) – R18.8
pleura, pleurisy, pleuritic, pleuropericardial – J90
- chylous, chyliform – J94.0
- due to systemic lupus erythematosis – M32.13
- in conditions classified elsewhere – J91.8
- influenzal – see Influenza, with, respiratory manifestations NEC
- malignant – J91.0
- newborn – P28.89
- tuberculous NEC – A15.6
  - primary (progressive) – A15.7
spinal – see Meningitis
thorax, thoracic – see Effusion, pleura

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.