J90 Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classified

Billable

Block: Other diseases of the pleura (J90-J94)

Includes

  • Encysted pleurisy
  • Pleural effusion NOS
  • Pleurisy with effusion (exudative) (serous)

Excludes 1 (cannot be coded together)

  • chylous (pleural) effusion (J94.0)
  • malignant pleural effusion (J91.0))
  • pleurisy NOS (R09.1)
  • tuberculous pleural effusion (A15.6)
This category is a complete, billable diagnosis code.

No additional specificity is required — submit J90 directly on claims and documentation without a subcode extension.

Last reviewed: September 2026