What does ICD-10 code J95.81 mean?

ICD-10 code J95.81 is the standardized code used for postprocedural pneumothorax and air leak in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code J95.81 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code J95.81 when recording postprocedural pneumothorax and air leak in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code J95.81 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code J95.81: Postprocedural pneumothorax and air leak

Name: ICD-10 Code J95.81: Postprocedural pneumothorax and air leak
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:14:55.624Z

J95.81 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Postprocedural pneumothorax and air leak. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents postprocedural pneumothorax and air leak in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)

block

J95Intraoperative and postprocedural complications and disorders of respiratory system, not elsewhere classified (J95)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

PulmonologistGeneral Physician

Sibling codes

J95.82Postprocedural respiratory failure J95.83Postprocedural hemorrhage of a respiratory system organ or structure following a procedure J95.84Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)billable J95.85Complication of respirator [ventilator]J95.86Postprocedural hematoma and seroma of a respiratory system organ or structure following a procedure J95.87Transfusion-associated dyspnea (TAD)billable J95.88Other intraoperative complications of respiratory system, not elsewhere classifiedbillable J95.89Other postprocedural complications and disorders of respiratory system, not elsewhere classifiedbillable

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Postprocedural pneumothorax and air leak

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.