J98.5

⚠ Non-billable (Header)

Diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified

Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)

⚠️ This is a category header code — not billable. Use a more specific child code below.

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❌ Excludes1

inherited

Rules inherited from parent codes in the hierarchy.

  • newborn apnea (P28.4-)
  • newborn sleep apnea (P28.3-)

⚠️ Excludes2

direct

Both codes can exist if both conditions are documented.

  • abscess of mediastinum (J85.3)

⚠️ Excludes2

inherited

Rules inherited from parent codes.

  • apnea NOS (R06.81)
  • sleep apnea (G47.3-)

📋 Code Instructions

inherited
  • code to identify:
  • exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
  • exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
  • history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
  • occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
  • tobacco dependence (F17.-)
  • tobacco use (Z72.0)

Clinical Description

ICD-10-CM code J98.5 represents diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified. This code falls under the Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99) classification. It is a non-billable category header code. A more specific child code from the list below must be used for billing and reimbursement purposes.

This is a 5-character code at the 4th level of specificity. There are 2 more specific child codes under J98.5. Coders should note that J98.5 has 2 Excludes1 restriction(s) — codes that cannot be reported together on the same claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICD-10 code J98.5?

ICD-10-CM code J98.5 is "Diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified". It belongs to the category: Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).

Is J98.5 a billable ICD-10 code?

No, J98.5 is a non-billable header code. A more specific child code must be used for billing.

What codes are excluded with J98.5?

J98.5 has 2 Excludes1 rule(s). These codes are mutually exclusive and cannot be coded together on the same claim.

Can J98.5 be coded with other codes?

J98.5 has 3 Excludes2 note(s). These conditions can be coded together if both are documented in the patient record.

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Code Information

CodeJ98.5
BillableNo — Header code
ParentJ98
CategoryDiseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
Excludes12 rule(s)
Excludes23 note(s)
Child codes2

Data Source

CMS ICD-10-CM 2026 Tabular List

Updated October 1, 2025 (FY2026)