All ICD10 Codes
J42Billable

Unspecified chronic bronchitis

Diseases of the Respiratory System·Chronic lower respiratory diseases (J40-J4A)·category·FY 2026

CH10 Parent Instructions

Excludes2(Not included here. Code separately if applicable.)
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • smoke inhalation (T59.81-)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)
Use Additional Code
  • code, where applicable, 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)

J40-J4A Parent Instructions

Excludes1(Not coded here. Use a different code.)
  • bronchitis due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors (J68.0)
Excludes2(Not included here. Code separately if applicable.)
  • cystic fibrosis (E84.-)

Instructional Notes

Includes
  • Chronic bronchitis NOS
  • Chronic tracheitis
  • Chronic tracheobronchitis
Excludes1(Not coded here. Use a different code.)
  • bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (J44.81)
  • chronic asthmatic bronchitis (J44.-)
  • chronic bronchitis with airways obstruction (J44.-)
  • chronic emphysematous bronchitis (J44.-)
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease NOS (J44.9)
  • simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
Use Additional Code
  • 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 Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes
CH10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
J40-J4AChronic lower respiratory diseases (J40-J4A)
J42Unspecified chronic bronchitisBillable

Code History

MS-DRG Classification

2026 v43.1

This code is grouped within the following Diagnosis Related Group(s) for clinical reimbursement:

DRG 190
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with MCC
DRG 191
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with CC
DRG 192
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease without CC/MCC