Is ICD-10-CM code J04 billable?

No, J04 (Acute laryngitis and tracheitis) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code J04 belong to?

J04 belongs to Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: J00–J99 (Diseases of the Respiratory System).

J04Not billable, use a more specific code below

Acute laryngitis and tracheitis

In Acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06), chapter 10: Diseases of the Respiratory System

6 billable codes under J04: 2 are an MCC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis (J05.-)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

laryngismus (stridulus) (J38.5)

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

influenza, if present, such as:
influenza due to identified novel influenza A virus with other respiratory manifestations (J09.X2)
influenza due to other identified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations (J10.1)
influenza due to unidentified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations (J11.1)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent.

Also applies, from Acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06)

These notes sit on J00-J06 and apply to every code under it, including J04.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute lower respiratory infection (J44.0)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers COPD and asthma exacerbations, sequencing of acute respiratory failure, confirmed versus suspected identified influenza, ventilator associated pneumonia, and vaping-related disorders.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] and Asthma (page 56)
Acute Respiratory Failure (page 56)
Influenza due to certain identified influenza viruses (page 57)
Ventilator associated Pneumonia (page 57)
Vaping-related disorders (page 58)

Read Section I.C.10 (page 56)

All codes under J04

J04 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

J04 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under J04 group to MS-DRG 202, 203, 152, or 153 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 202 Bronchitis and Asthma with CC/MCC (2 of 6 codes)
DRG 203 Bronchitis and Asthma without CC/MCC (2 of 6 codes)
DRG 152 Otitis Media and URI with MCC (1 of 6 codes)
DRG 153 Otitis Media and URI without MCC (1 of 6 codes)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Throat Disorders

Your throat is a tube that carries food to your esophagus and air to your windpipe and larynx. The technical name for your throat is the pharynx. Throat problems are common. You've probably had a sore throat. The cause is usually a viral infection, but other causes include allergies, infection with strep bacteria or the leaking of stomach acids back up into the esophagus, called GERD.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.