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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. J00–J99
  4. J20-J22
  5. Acute bronchitis (J20)

Acute bronchitis (J20)

ICD-10 code J20 and its subcategories are used to classify cases of acute bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes causing coughing and breathing issues. These codes help specify the exact cause of acute bronchitis, differentiating between bacterial and viral infections, or leaving the cause unspecified.

The ICD-10 code for acute bronchitis starts with J20. For bacterial causes, codes like J20.0 (due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae), J20.1 (Hemophilus influenzae), and J20.2 (streptococcus) are applied. Viral causes have distinct codes such as J20.3 for coxsackievirus, J20.4 for parainfluenza virus, and J20.5 for respiratory syncytial virus, among others like rhinovirus and echovirus. The J20.8 code covers acute bronchitis caused by other specified organisms, including COVID-19. When the cause is not identified, J20.9 is used. These detailed codes assist coders and healthcare professionals in accurately attributing specific infectious agents or noting when the origin is unknown, improving diagnosis clarity and treatment planning.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • acute and subacute bronchitis (with) bronchospasm
  • acute and subacute bronchitis (with) tracheitis
  • acute and subacute bronchitis (with) tracheobronchitis, acute
  • acute and subacute fibrinous bronchitis
  • acute and subacute membranous bronchitis
  • acute and subacute purulent bronchitis
  • acute and subacute septic bronchitis

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • bronchitis NOS J40
  • tracheobronchitis NOS J40

Type 2 Excludes

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.

  • acute bronchitis with bronchiectasis J47.0
  • acute bronchitis with chronic obstructive asthma J44.0
  • acute bronchitis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease J44.0
  • allergic bronchitis NOS J45.909
  • bronchitis due to chemicals, fumes and vapors J68.0
  • chronic bronchitis NOS J42
  • chronic mucopurulent bronchitis J41.1
  • chronic obstructive bronchitis J44
  • chronic obstructive tracheobronchitis J44
  • chronic simple bronchitis J41.0
  • chronic tracheobronchitis J42

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the large airways in the lung including any part of the BRONCHI, from the PRIMARY BRONCHI to the TERTIARY BRONCHI.

Bronchitis, Chronic

A subcategory of CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE. The disease is characterized by hypersecretion of mucus accompanied by a chronic (more than 3 months in 2 consecutive years) productive cough. Infectious agents are a major cause of chronic bronchitis.

Coronavirus

A member of CORONAVIRIDAE which causes respiratory or gastrointestinal disease in a variety of vertebrates.

Infectious bronchitis virus

A species of CORONAVIRUS causing infections in chickens and possibly pheasants. Chicks up to four weeks old are the most severely affected.