J42 – Unspecified chronic bronchitis

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Chronic lower respiratory diseases

Billable code

ICD-10-CM code J42
Code
J42 (claims format: J42)
Description
Unspecified chronic bronchitis
Billable
Yes – valid for HIPAA-covered transactions
Valid for
Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter
10. Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
Block
J40-J4B Chronic lower respiratory diseases

Notes for J42

Applicable to:
  • Chronic bronchitis NOS
  • Chronic tracheitis
  • Chronic tracheobronchitis
Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (J44.81)
  • chronic asthmatic bronchitis (J44.-)
  • chronic bronchitis with airways obstruction (J44.-)
  • chronic emphysematous bronchitis (J44.-)
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease NOS (J44.9)
  • simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
Use 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)
Code also:
  • , if applicable, chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors (J68.4)

Notes inherited from parent codes

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

Block J40-J4B

Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • bronchitis due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors (J68.0)
Excludes2 (not included here):
  • cystic fibrosis (E84.-)

Index terms for J42

Entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index that lead to this code:

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code J42?

J42 is the ICD-10-CM code for unspecified chronic bronchitis, in the block J40-J4B (Chronic lower respiratory diseases).

Is J42 a billable code?

Yes. J42 is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

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.