2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J68Respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
J68 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as J68.0, J68.1, J68.2, and J68.3.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Resp cond d/t inhalation of chemicals, gas, fumes and vaporsOverview
Non-specific codes like J68 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
Use J68.0 for Bronchitis and pneumonitis due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
Use J68.1 for Pulmonary edema due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
Use J68.2 for Upper respiratory inflammation due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors, not elsewhere classified
Use J68.3 for Other acute and subacute respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
Use J68.4 for Chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
Use J68.8 for Other respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
Use J68.9 for Unspecified respiratory condition due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Code First
Use Additional Code
- code to identify associated respiratory conditions, such as:
- acute respiratory failure J96.0
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
Patient EducationClinical
Inhalation Injuries
Inhalation injuries are acute injuries to your respiratory system and lungs. They can happen if you breathe in toxic substances, such as smoke (from fires), chemicals, particle pollution, and gases. Inhalation injuries can also be caused by extreme heat; these are a type of thermal injuries.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About J68Overview
Is J68 a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors need a more specific code from this category, such as J68.0, J68.1, and J68.2.
