Viral pneumonia, not elsewhere classified (J12) ICD-10-CM
The J12 code range covers viral pneumonia, not elsewhere classified with 10 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 8 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- bronchopneumonia due to viruses other than influenza viruses
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.
- associated abscess, if applicable J85.1
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.
- 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
- congenital pneumonia P23.0
- congenital rubella pneumonitis P35.0
- interstitial pneumonia NOS J84.9
- lipid pneumonia J69.1
- neonatal aspiration pneumonia P24
Codes in the J12 Range 10 codes · 8 billable
- J12 Viral pneumonia, not elsewhere classifiedNon-billable
- J12.0 Adenoviral pneumonia
- J12.1 Respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia
- J12.2 Parainfluenza virus pneumonia
- J12.3 Human metapneumovirus pneumonia
- J12.8 Other viral pneumoniaNon-billable
- J12.81 Pneumonia due to SARS-associated coronavirus
- J12.82 Pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019
- J12.89 Other viral pneumonia
- J12.9 Viral pneumonia, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the J12 range.
COVID-19
A viral disorder generally characterized by high FEVER; COUGH; DYSPNEA; CHILLS; PERSISTENT TREMOR; MUSCLE PAIN; HEADACHE; SORE THROAT; a new loss of taste and/or smell (see AGEUSIA and ANOSMIA) and other symptoms of a VIRAL PNEUMONIA. A coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 VIRUS, in the genus BETACORONAVIRUS is the causative agent.
COVID-19 Testing
Diagnosis of COVID-19 by assaying bodily fluids or tissues for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies, SARS-COV-2 antigens or the VIRAL RNA of SARS-COV-2.
SARS-CoV-2
A species of BETACORONAVIRUS causing atypical respiratory disease (COVID-19) in humans. The organism was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. The natural host is the Chinese intermediate horseshoe bat, RHINOLOPHUS affinis.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
A viral disorder characterized by high FEVER, dry COUGH, shortness of breath (DYSPNEA) or breathing difficulties, and atypical PNEUMONIA. A virus in the genus CORONAVIRUS is the suspected agent.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus
A species of CORONAVIRUS causing atypical respiratory disease (SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME) in humans. The organism is believed to have first emerged in Guangdong Province, China, in 2002. The natural host is the Chinese horseshoe bat, RHINOLOPHUS sinicus.
About the J12 Code Range
ICD-10 code J12 covers viral pneumonia cases that do not fit into more specific viral pneumonia categories. This includes several subtypes caused by different viruses, each with unique codes for accurate identification and treatment.
The ICD-10 code for viral pneumonia includes specific distinctions such as J12.0 for adenoviral pneumonia, known also as adenoviral bronchitis or bronchopneumonia due to adenovirus. Respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia, sometimes called bronchopneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus, is coded as J12.1. Other important codes include J12.2 for parainfluenza virus pneumonia and J12.3 for human metapneumovirus pneumonia. Notably, J12.81 is used for pneumonia caused by SARS-associated coronavirus, and J12.82 specifies pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The code J12.89 covers other viral pneumonias such as those caused by Epstein-Barr virus or herpes viruses, while J12.9 indicates viral pneumonia where the virus is unspecified. Using these precise ICD-10 codes helps healthcare professionals accurately document the viral cause of pneumonia, facilitating appropriate care and epidemiological tracking.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the J12 range?
Of the 10 codes in this range, 8 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 J12 range classify?
The range classifies viral pneumonia, not elsewhere classified. 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.
