Is ICD-10-CM code J20 billable?

No, J20 (Acute bronchitis) 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 J20 belong to?

J20 belongs to Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: J00–J99 (Diseases of the Respiratory System).

J20Not billable, use a more specific code below

Acute bronchitis

In Other acute lower respiratory infections (J20-J22), chapter 10: Diseases of the Respiratory System

10 billable codes under J20: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

acute and subacute bronchitis (with) bronchospasm
acute and subacute bronchitis (with) tracheitis
acute and subacute bronchitis (with) tracheobronchitis, acute
acute and subacute fibrinous bronchitis
acute and subacute membranous bronchitis
acute and subacute purulent bronchitis
acute and subacute septic bronchitis

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

bronchitis NOS (J40)
tracheobronchitis NOS (J40)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

acute bronchitis with bronchiectasis (J47.0)
acute bronchitis with chronic obstructive asthma (J44.0)
acute bronchitis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (J44.0)
allergic bronchitis NOS (J45.909)
bronchitis due to chemicals, fumes and vapors (J68.0)
chronic bronchitis NOS (J42)
chronic mucopurulent bronchitis (J41.1)
chronic obstructive bronchitis (J44.-)
chronic obstructive tracheobronchitis (J44.-)
chronic simple bronchitis (J41.0)
chronic tracheobronchitis (J42)

Also applies, from Other acute lower respiratory infections (J20-J22)

These notes sit on J20-J22 and apply to every code under it, including J20.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

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 J20

J20 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

J20 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 10 billable codes under J20 group to MS-DRG 202 or 203 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to J20

Notes on these codes point to J20.

D81.82 Code Also: other acute respiratory tract infections (J00-J06; J20-J22)
J40 Excludes1: acute bronchitis (J20.-)
J98.01 Excludes1: acute bronchitis with bronchospasm (J20.-)

About the condition

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

Acute Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It causes a cough that often brings up mucus. It can also cause shortness of breath, wheezing, a low fever, and chest tightness. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.

Code history

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