J96.21 – Acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Other diseases of the respiratory system

Billable code

ICD-10-CM code J96.21

Code: J96.21 (claims format: J9621)
Description: Acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia
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: J96-J99 Other diseases of the respiratory system
Parent codes: J96 › J96.2

Notes inherited from parent codes

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

J96 – Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified

Excludes1 (not coded here):

acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)
cardiorespiratory failure (R09.2)
newborn respiratory distress syndrome (P22.0)
postprocedural respiratory failure (J95.82-)
respiratory arrest (R09.2)
respiratory arrest of newborn (P28.81)
respiratory failure of newborn (P28.5)

J96.2 – Acute and chronic respiratory failure

Applicable to:

Acute on chronic respiratory failure

Index terms for J96.21

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

Failure, failed, respiration, respiratory, acute and, with, hypoxia

Related codes in J96.2

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code J96.21?

J96.21 is the ICD-10-CM code for acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, in the block J96-J99 (Other diseases of the respiratory system).

Is J96.21 a billable code?

Yes. J96.21 is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What category does J96.21 belong to?

It belongs to category J96 – Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified.

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.