Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection (J22) ICD-10-CM
The J22 code range covers unspecified acute lower respiratory infection with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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.
- Acute (lower) respiratory (tract) infection NOS
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.
- upper respiratory infection acute J06.9
Codes in the J22 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- J22 Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection
About the J22 Code Range
The ICD-10 code J22 is used to classify unspecified acute lower respiratory infections, covering infections that affect the lower part of the respiratory system without detailed specification. This code helps identify cases where the exact cause or type of infection is not clearly determined.
This code applies to various acute respiratory infections involving the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, when the precise diagnosis is not available. Synonyms like "acute respiratory infections," "severe acute respiratory infection," and "lower respiratory tract infection" refer to the same general condition that J22 captures. It also includes infections caused by bacteria or viruses, including COVID-19, which is noted under terms like "infection of lower respiratory tract caused by SARS-CoV-2." Medical coders use ICD-10 code J22 when the infection is recognized as acute and lower respiratory but the exact type or pathogen isn't documented, ensuring proper coding even with limited clinical details.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J22 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the J22 range classify?
The range classifies unspecified acute lower respiratory infection. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
