Is ICD-10-CM code J70 billable?

No, J70 (Respiratory conditions due to other external agents) 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 J70 belong to?

J70 belongs to Chapter 10 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: J00–J99 (Diseases of the Respiratory System).

J70Not billable, use a more specific code below

Respiratory conditions due to other external agents

In Lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70), chapter 10: Diseases of the Respiratory System

8 billable codes under J70: 2 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)

These notes sit on J60-J70 and apply to every code under it, including J70.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

asthma (J45.-)
malignant neoplasm of bronchus and lung (C34.-)

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 J70

J70 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

J70 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under J70 group to these 7 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 205 Other Respiratory System Diagnoses with MCC (7 of 8 codes)
DRG 206 Other Respiratory System Diagnoses without MCC (7 of 8 codes)
DRG 196 Interstitial Lung Disease with MCC (1 of 8 codes)
DRG 197 Interstitial Lung Disease with CC (1 of 8 codes)
DRG 198 Interstitial Lung Disease without CC/MCC (1 of 8 codes)
DRG 791 Prematurity with Major Problems (1 of 8 codes)
DRG 793 Full Term Neonate with Major Problems (1 of 8 codes)

Other codes that refer to J70

Notes on these codes point to J70.

J18 Excludes2: pneumonitis due to external agents (J67-J70)
J44.1 Excludes2: lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)
J44.9 Excludes2: lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)
J45.909 Excludes2: lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)
J81 Excludes1: pulmonary edema due to external agents (J60-J70)
J84 Excludes2: lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)
J84.170 Code First: lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)
T51-T65 Use Additional Code: for all associated manifestations of toxic effect, such as: respiratory conditions due to external agents (J60-J70)

About the condition

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

Lung Diseases

When you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen from the air and deliver it to the bloodstream. The cells in your body need oxygen to work and grow. During a normal day, you breathe nearly 25,000 times. People with lung disease have difficulty breathing. Millions of people in the U.S. have lung disease. If all types of lung disease are lumped together, it is the number three killer in the United States.

Code history

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