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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code J96.9

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.9

Respiratory failure, unspecified

ICD-10-CM Code:
J96.9
ICD-10 Code for:
Respiratory failure, unspecified
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the respiratory system
    (J00–J99)
    • Other diseases of the respiratory system
      (J96-J99)
      • Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified
        (J96)

J96.9 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of respiratory failure, unspecified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like J96.9 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Respiratory failure, unspecified

Non-specific codes like J96.9 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for respiratory failure, unspecified:

  • Use J96.90 for Respiratory failure, unspecified, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use J96.91 for Respiratory failure, unspecified with hypoxia - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use J96.92 for Respiratory failure, unspecified with hypercapnia - BILLABLE CODE

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.