Pulmonary Embolism Documentation Guide
Blood clot lodged in the pulmonary arteries causing acute obstruction of blood flow.
ICD-10 Codes: I26.01, I26.02, I26.09, I26.90, I26.92, I26.99
Common Symptoms
- Acute dyspnea
- Pleuritic chest pain
- Tachycardia
- Hemoptysis
- Syncope
Key Documentation Elements
- Clinical pre-test probability score
- CT angiography or V/Q scan findings
- Hemodynamic status and RV strain assessment
- Anticoagulation type, dose, and start time
- Risk stratification (massive, submassive, low-risk)
Documentation Challenges
- Documenting clinical probability scoring (Wells, PERC, Geneva)
- Capturing hemodynamic stability assessment
- Recording anticoagulation initiation timing and rationale
- Tracking imaging results and right heart strain markers
Billing Considerations
- Saddle vs segmental PE coding distinction (I26.02 vs I26.09)
- Sepsis or cor pulmonale as major complication coding
- Critical care time documentation for massive PE
Frequently Asked Questions
What ICD-10 codes are used for pulmonary embolism?
PE codes include I26.01 (septic PE), I26.02 (saddle embolus), I26.09 (other PE with acute cor pulmonale), and I26.99 (PE without cor pulmonale). Scribeable selects based on imaging findings and hemodynamic status.
How does Scribeable help document PE encounters?
Scribeable captures Wells score components, imaging results, hemodynamic assessments, and anticoagulation decisions from your clinical conversation, formatting them into risk-stratified documentation.