Respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors (J68) ICD-10-CM
The J68 code range covers respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors with 8 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 7 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.
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 associated respiratory conditions, such as:
- acute respiratory failure J96.0
Codes in the J68 Range 8 codes · 7 billable
- J68 Respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vaporsNon-billable
- J68.0 Bronchitis and pneumonitis due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
- J68.1 Pulmonary edema due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
- J68.2 Upper respiratory inflammation due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors, not elsewhere classified
- J68.3 Other acute and subacute respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
- J68.4 Chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
- J68.8 Other respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
- J68.9 Unspecified respiratory condition due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J68 range.
Silo Filler's Disease
A form of alveolitis or PNEUMONITIS caused by hypersensitivity to high level of inhaled nitrogen oxides, decomposition products of silage.
About the J68 Code Range
Inhaling chemicals, gases, fumes, or vapors can cause respiratory conditions. These conditions fall within lung diseases due to external agents.
The subdivisions distinguish inflammation involving the breathing tubes or lungs in J68.0, lung fluid buildup in J68.1, and upper respiratory inflammation in J68.2. Other acute or subacute conditions have J68.3, while chronic conditions have J68.4. The remaining subdivisions identify other conditions in J68.8 or an unspecified respiratory condition in J68.9.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J68 range?
Of the 8 codes in this range, 7 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 J68 range classify?
The range classifies respiratory conditions due to inhalation of chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors. 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.
