Unspecified chronic bronchitis (J42) ICD-10-CM
The J42 code range covers unspecified chronic bronchitis with 1 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 1 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, 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.
- Chronic bronchitis NOS
- Chronic tracheitis
- Chronic tracheobronchitis
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, chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors J68.4
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.
Codes in the J42 Range 1 codes · 1 billable
- J42 Unspecified chronic bronchitis
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J42 range.
Chronic Bronchitis
A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the bronchial tree that results in edema, mucus production, obstruction, and reduced airflow to and from the lung alveoli. The most common cause is tobacco smoking. Signs and symptoms include coughing with excessive mucus production, and shortness of breath.
About the J42 Code Range
Chronic bronchitis is ongoing inflammation in the airways leading to the lungs. It produces mucus and reduces airflow.
J42 identifies unspecified chronic bronchitis within chronic lower respiratory diseases.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J42 range?
Of the 1 codes in this range, 1 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 J42 range classify?
The range classifies unspecified chronic bronchitis. 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.
