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J90 — Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified
J90
What this code means
A pleural effusion is a build-up of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall, which can cause breathlessness.
Also called: pleural effusion, fluid on the lung.
When this code is used
Used for pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified.
Where it sits in ICD-10-CM
Code J90 belongs to Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system, which covers codes J00–J99 in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM tabular list. The official description above is copied verbatim from the CDC/NCHS FY2027 code file.
Related symptoms
Related anatomy
Watch: related videos
Frequently asked questions
What is ICD-10-CM code J90?
J90 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for “Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified”. A pleural effusion is a build-up of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall, which can cause breathlessness.
When is code J90 used?
Used for pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified. It belongs to Chapter 10 of ICD-10-CM (Diseases of the respiratory system).
This guide explains ICD-10-CM codes in plain language for patients, students and other readers. It is educational information only — not coding, billing or medical advice. The code recorded for any real encounter is assigned from the full clinical documentation by the treating team and qualified coders, and only they can decide which code fits a specific case.