J21 – Acute bronchiolitis

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Other acute lower respiratory infections

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code J21
Code
J21 (claims format: J21)
Description
Acute bronchiolitis
Billable
No – use a more specific code below
Valid for
Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter
10. Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
Block
J20-J22 Other acute lower respiratory infections

Billable codes under J21

J21 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

Notes for J21

Includes:
  • acute bronchiolitis with bronchospasm
Excludes2 (not included here):
  • respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease (J84.115)

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block J20-J22

Excludes2 (not included here):
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute lower respiratory infection (J44.0)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code J21?

J21 is the ICD-10-CM code for acute bronchiolitis, in the block J20-J22 (Other acute lower respiratory infections).

Is J21 a billable code?

No. J21 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.