Pneumonia, unspecified organism (J18) ICD-10-CM
The J18 code range covers pneumonia, unspecified organism with 6 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 5 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Code First
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.
Code Also
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
- , if applicable, any associated condition such as:
- aspiration pneumonia J69
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.
- congenital pneumonia P23.0
- drug-induced interstitial lung disorder J70.2 J70.4
- interstitial pneumonia NOS J84.9
- neonatal aspiration pneumonia P24
- pneumonitis due to fumes and vapors J68.0
- usual interstitial pneumonia J84.178
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.
- abscess of lung with pneumonia J85.1
- aspiration pneumonia due to anesthesia during labor and delivery O74.0
- aspiration pneumonia due to anesthesia during pregnancy O29
- aspiration pneumonia due to anesthesia during puerperium O89.0
- aspiration pneumonia due to solids and liquids J69
- aspiration pneumonia NOS J69.0
- lipid pneumonia J69.1
- pneumonitis due to external agents J67 J70
Codes in the J18 Range 6 codes · 5 billable
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J18 range.
Bronchopneumonia
Inflammation of the lung parenchyma that is associated with BRONCHITIS, usually involving lobular areas from TERMINAL BRONCHIOLES to the PULMONARY ALVEOLI. The affected areas become filled with exudate that forms consolidated patches.
Pleuropneumonia
Inflammation of the lung parenchyma that is associated with PLEURISY, inflammation of the PLEURA.
Pneumonia
Infection of the lung often accompanied by inflammation.
About the J18 Code Range
Pneumonia is a lung infection often accompanied by inflammation. In this category, the organism is unspecified, and the subdivisions distinguish forms of pneumonia.
J18.0 names bronchopneumonia, J18.1 names lobar pneumonia, and J18.2 names hypostatic pneumonia. J18.8 identifies other pneumonia; J18.9 does not specify a form.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J18 range?
Of the 6 codes in this range, 5 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the J18 range classify?
The range classifies pneumonia, unspecified organism. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
