J98.51: Mediastinitis
J98.51, mediastinitis, is listed as a covered diagnosis in 3 Medicare billing and coding articles that apply to 9 HCPCS Level II codes, including G0238 (Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function…), G0237 (Therapeutic procedures to increase strength or endurance…), G0239 (Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function or…). The articles come from 2 Medicare contractors. A listed diagnosis supports medical necessity only; coverage still depends on the LCD's criteria and on documentation in the medical record.
HCPCS Level II codes with J98.51 as a covered diagnosis
| Code | Description | Medicare coverage | DMEPOS fee 2026 (state range) | Articles listing it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G0238 | Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function, other than described by g0237, one on one, face to face, per 15 minutes (includes monitoring) | Carrier judgment | — | 2 |
| G0237 | Therapeutic procedures to increase strength or endurance of respiratory muscles, face to face, one on one, each 15 minutes (includes monitoring) | Carrier judgment | — | 2 |
| G0239 | Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function or increase strength or endurance of respiratory muscles, two or more individuals (includes monitoring) | Carrier judgment | — | 2 |
| J0461 | Injection, atropine sulfate, 0.01 mg | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| J0153 | Injection, adenosine, 1 mg (not to be used to report any adenosine phosphate compounds) | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| J1250 | Injection, dobutamine hydrochloride, per 250 mg | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| J0280 | Injection, aminophyllin, up to 250 mg | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| J1245 | Injection, dipyridamole, per 10 mg | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
| A9700 | Supply of injectable contrast material for use in echocardiography, per study | Special coverage instructions apply | — | 1 |
Medicare policy articles listing J98.51
- A56717: Billing and Coding: Respiratory Therapy (Respiratory Care) (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A); 3 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34430
- A57224: Billing and Coding: Respiratory Care (Noridian Healthcare Solutions, LLC (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 3 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L34149
- A56625: Billing and Coding: Echocardiography (Palmetto GBA (MAC - Part A, MAC - Part B); 6 Level II codes). LCD with the same title: L37379
A diagnosis listed as covered in a billing and coding article supports medical necessity for the article's codes; it does not guarantee payment. Coverage depends on the LCD's criteria, the contractor's jurisdiction and documentation in the medical record.
Other J98 diagnoses (Other respiratory disorders)
- J98.59 — Other diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified
- J98.09 — Other diseases of bronchus, not elsewhere classified
- J98.6 — Disorders of diaphragm
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover J98.51 (Mediastinitis)?
Medicare covers items and services, not diagnoses. 3 Medicare billing and coding articles list J98.51 as a covered diagnosis for 9 HCPCS Level II codes: the diagnosis can support medical necessity for those codes, but payment still depends on the LCD's coverage criteria and the medical record.
Which HCPCS codes can be billed with ICD-10 J98.51?
The Level II codes from the policies most specific to this diagnosis are G0238 (Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function…, 2 articles); G0237 (Therapeutic procedures to increase strength or endurance…, 2 articles); G0239 (Therapeutic procedures to improve respiratory function or…, 2 articles); J0461 (Injection, atropine sulfate, 0.01 mg, 1 article); J0153 (Injection, adenosine, 1 mg (not to be used to report any…, 1 article). Code choice depends on the item supplied; check each code's descriptor.
Which Medicare policy articles list J98.51?
A56717 (Billing and Coding: Respiratory Therapy (Respiratory Care)); A57224 (Billing and Coding: Respiratory Care); A56625 (Billing and Coding: Echocardiography).
What is ICD-10-CM code J98.51?
J98.51 is the ICD-10-CM code for mediastinitis, in category J98 (Other respiratory disorders), chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system.
Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under G0238
- Watch G0238 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for G0238
Sources: CMS Medicare Coverage Database billing and coding articles (covered ICD-10 code lists and HCPCS links); ICD-10-CM FY2026; CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule 2026 (non-rural state fees). Not billing or legal advice.
Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system · All diagnoses · HCPCS lookup