1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. J00–J99
  4. J40-J4A
  5. Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic (J40)

Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic (J40)

ICD-10 code J40 is used to classify cases of bronchitis that are not specifically identified as either acute or chronic. This code covers bronchitis conditions when the exact type has not been clearly defined in medical documentation.

The term bronchitis itself refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. The code J40 applies to various related conditions, including tracheobronchitis and infectious disorder of bronchus, as well as more specific forms like occupational bronchitis and plastic bronchitis. It also includes bronchitis occurring alongside wheezing episodes, such as bronchitis co-occurrent with wheeze; both acute and chronic; as well as postoperative bronchitis and laryngotracheobronchitis. This versatility makes J40 crucial when a clear acute or chronic classification is unavailable, helping healthcare providers and coders accurately document and report bronchial inflammation for diagnosis and treatment purposes. The ICD-10 code for bronchitis not specified as acute or chronic ensures precise medical coding even when detailed clinical information is missing.

Instructional Notations

Inclusion Terms

These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.

  • Bronchitis NOS
  • Bronchitis with tracheitis NOS
  • Catarrhal bronchitis
  • Tracheobronchitis NOS

Use Additional Code

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.

  • code to identify:
  • exposure to environmental tobacco smoke Z77.22
  • exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period P96.81
  • history of tobacco dependence Z87.891
  • occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke Z57.31
  • tobacco dependence F17
  • tobacco use Z72.0

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.

  • acute bronchitis J20
  • allergic bronchitis NOS J45.909
  • asthmatic bronchitis NOS J45.9
  • bronchitis due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors J68.0

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.