ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for asthma exacerbation
Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation
Confirmed by the official ICD-10-CM index entry “asthma, asthmatic (bronchial) (catarrh) (spasmodic) › with › exacerbation (acute)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding asthma exacerbation
The ICD-10-CM code for asthma exacerbation is J45.901 (Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation). The official index lists 17 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J45.901.
Within J45.90 (unspecified asthma), J45.901 is specifically for unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation. Related codes cover with status asthmaticus (J45.902) and uncomplicated (J45.909).
Use an additional code to identify: eosinophilic asthma (J82.83), 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) and 2 more.
As a secondary diagnosis it is a CC (complication or comorbidity), which can move an inpatient stay into the "with CC" MS-DRG of its family, unless the principal diagnosis excludes it.
Related Asthma exacerbation codes
- J45.20 Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated
- J45.21 Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
- J45.22 Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus
- J45.30 Mild persistent asthma, uncomplicated
- J45.31 Mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
- J45.32 Mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus
- J45.40 Moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated
- J45.41 Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
- J45.42 Moderate persistent asthma with status asthmaticus
- J45.50 Severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated
- J45.51 Severe persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
- J45.52 Severe persistent asthma with status asthmaticus
- J45.902 Unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus
- J45.909 Unspecified asthma, uncomplicated
- J45.990 Exercise induced bronchospasm
- J45.991 Cough variant asthma
- J45.998 Other asthma
Common questions about asthma exacerbation ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for asthma exacerbation?
- J45.901 — Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J45.20, J45.21, J45.22, J45.30 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated?
- J45.20 — Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated.
What is the ICD-10 code for mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation?
- J45.21 — Mild intermittent asthma with (acute) exacerbation.
What is the ICD-10 code for mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus?
- J45.22 — Mild intermittent asthma with status asthmaticus.
What is the ICD-10 code for mild persistent asthma, uncomplicated?
- J45.30 — Mild persistent asthma, uncomplicated.
What is the ICD-10 code for mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation?
- J45.31 — Mild persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation.
What is the ICD-10 code for mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus?
- J45.32 — Mild persistent asthma with status asthmaticus.
Is J45.901 billable?
- Yes. J45.901 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can J45.901 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J45.901 as a principal diagnosis.
Is J45.901 a CC or MCC?
- J45.901 is a CC (complication or comorbidity) under MS-DRG v44.0, unless excluded by the principal diagnosis.