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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

J12Viral pneumonia, not elsewhere classified

Not billable — use a more specific code

J12 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 6 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About J12

J12 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for viral pneumonia, not elsewhere classified. It belongs to block J09-J18 (influenza and pneumonia) and chapter 10 (diseases of the respiratory system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 6 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: J12.0 (pneumonia), J12.1 (pneumonia), J12.2 (pneumonia), J12.3 (pneumonia), J12.8 (pneumonia) and J12.9 (unspecified).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of J12, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: 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.-) and 6 more.

Code first: associated influenza, if applicable (J09.X1, J10.0-, J11.0-).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under J12

Coding notes

IncludesFurther defines the content of the category
  • bronchopneumonia due to viruses other than influenza viruses
Excludes2Not included here — may be reported together if both conditions exist
  • 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.-)
Code firstSequence the underlying condition first
Code alsoTwo codes may be needed; sequencing depends on circumstances
  • associated abscess, if applicable (J85.1)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to J12.

Broader instructions also apply from J09-J18 Influenza and pneumonia and Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system.

Codes whose notes reference J12

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about J12

Is J12 billable?

No. J12 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.