2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J21Acute bronchiolitis
J21 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for acute bronchiolitis, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J21.0, J21.1, J21.8, and J21.9.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Acute bronchiolitisOverview
Non-specific codes like J21 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Includes
- acute bronchiolitis with bronchospasm
Type 2 Excludes
- respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease J84.115
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Clinical InformationClinical
Acute Bronchiolitis
acute inflammation of the bronchioles usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus.
Patient EducationClinical
Bronchial Disorders
When you breathe in, the air travels down through your trachea (windpipe). It then goes through two tubes to your lungs. These tubes are your bronchi. Bronchial disorders can make it hard for you to breathe.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
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