2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J43Emphysema

ICD-10-CM CodesJ00–J99J40-J4AJ43

ICD-10-CM J43
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

J43 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for emphysema, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J43.0, J43.1, J43.2, and J43.8.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
J43
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Emphysema
Chapter
J40-J4A
Chronic lower respiratory diseases

Code Classification

ChapterJ00–J99Diseases of the respiratory system
SectionJ40-J4AChronic lower respiratory diseases
CategoryJ43Emphysema
This CodeJ43Emphysema

Specific Coding for EmphysemaOverview

Non-specific codes like J43 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use J43.0 for Unilateral pulmonary emphysema [MacLeod's syndrome]

  • Use J43.1 for Panlobular emphysema

  • Use J43.2 for Centrilobular emphysema

  • Use J43.8 for Other emphysema

  • Use J43.9 for Emphysema, unspecified

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

  • compensatory emphysema J98.3
  • interstitial emphysema J98.2
  • mediastinal emphysema J98.2
  • neonatal interstitial emphysema P25.0
  • surgical subcutaneous emphysema T81.82

Type 2 Excludes

  • emphysema due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes or vapors J68.4
  • emphysema with chronic obstructive bronchitis J44
  • emphysematous obstructive bronchitis J44
  • traumatic subcutaneous emphysema T79.7

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Emphysema

    a pathological accumulation of air in tissues or organs.
  • Emphysematous Cholecystitis

    a variant of acute cholecystitis with inflammation of the gallbladder that is characterized by the pockets of gas in the gallbladder wall. it is due to secondary infection caused by gas-forming organisms, and has a high risk of perforation.
  • Emphysematous Pyelonephritis

    acute often necrotizing pyelonephritis characterized by accumulation of gas within and around renal parenchyma. emphysematous pyelonephritis is typically associated with bacterial infection in diabetes mellitus and immunocompromised patient.
  • Mediastinal Emphysema

    presence of air in the mediastinal tissues due to leakage of air from the tracheobronchial tree, usually as a result of trauma.
  • Pneumonia, Atypical Interstitial, of Cattle

    a cattle disease of uncertain cause, probably an allergic reaction.
  • Pulmonary Emphysema

    enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles where gas-exchange normally takes place. this is usually due to destruction of the alveolar wall. pulmonary emphysema can be classified by the location and distribution of the lesions.
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema

    presence of air or gas in the subcutaneous tissues of the body.
  • Gallbladder

    a storage reservoir for bile secretion. gallbladder allows the delivery of bile acids at a high concentration and in a controlled manner, via the cystic duct to the duodenum, for degradation of dietary lipid.

Patient EducationClinical

Emphysema

Emphysema is a type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and get worse over time. The other main type of COPD is chronic bronchitis. Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but how severe each type is can be different from person to person.

The full article covers:

  • What is emphysema?
  • What causes emphysema?
  • Who is at risk for emphysema?
  • What are the symptoms of emphysema?
  • How is emphysema diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for emphysema?
  • Can emphysema be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About J43Overview

Is J43 (Emphysema) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for emphysema, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for emphysema need a more specific code from this category, such as J43.0, J43.1, and J43.2.