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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

J81Pulmonary edema

Not billable — use a more specific code

J81 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 2 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 J81

J81 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for pulmonary edema. It belongs to block J80-J84 (other respiratory diseases principally affecting the interstitium) and chapter 10 (diseases of the respiratory system). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 2 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: J81.0 (edema) and J81.1 (edema).

Don't report J81 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: chemical (acute) pulmonary edema (J68.1), hypostatic pneumonia (J18.2), passive pneumonia (J18.2), pulmonary edema due to external agents (J60-J70) and 2 more.

Use an additional code to identify: exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22), history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891), occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31), tobacco dependence (F17.-) and tobacco use (Z72.0).

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 J81

Coding notes

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
  • chemical (acute) pulmonary edema (J68.1)
  • hypostatic pneumonia (J18.2)
  • passive pneumonia (J18.2)
  • pulmonary edema due to external agents (J60-J70)
  • pulmonary edema with heart disease NOS (I50.1)
  • pulmonary edema with heart failure (I50.1)
Use additional codeAdd a secondary code to fully describe the condition
  • code to identify:
  • exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
  • history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
  • occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
  • tobacco dependence (F17.-)
  • tobacco use (Z72.0)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to J81.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system.

Codes whose notes reference J81

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 J81

Is J81 billable?

No. J81 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.