ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for chronic bronchitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Bronchitis (diffuse) (fibrinous) (hypostatic) (infective) (membranous) › chronic”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding chronic bronchitis
The ICD-10-CM code for chronic bronchitis is J42 (Unspecified chronic bronchitis). The official index lists 14 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J42.
Don't report J42 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (J44.81), chronic asthmatic bronchitis (J44.-), chronic bronchitis with airways obstruction (J44.-), chronic emphysematous bronchitis (J44.-) and 2 more.
Use an additional 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.-) and 1 more.
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific chronic bronchitis codes (official index)
- with
- airways obstruction J44.89 — Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- tracheitis (chronic) J42 — Unspecified chronic bronchitis
- asthmatic (obstructive) J44.89 — Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- catarrhal J41.0 — Simple chronic bronchitis
- chemical (due to fumes or vapors) J68.4 — Chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
- due to
- chemicals, gases, fumes or vapors (inhalation) J68.4 — Chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors
- radiation J70.1 — Chronic and other pulmonary manifestations due to radiation
- tobacco smoking J41.0 — Simple chronic bronchitis
- emphysematous J44.89 — Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- mucopurulent J41.1 — Mucopurulent chronic bronchitis
- non-obstructive J41.0 — Simple chronic bronchitis
- obliterans
- obstructive J44.89 — Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- purulent J41.1 — Mucopurulent chronic bronchitis
- simple J41.0 — Simple chronic bronchitis
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for J42)
Common questions about chronic bronchitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic bronchitis?
- J42 — Unspecified chronic bronchitis. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J44.89, J42, J44.89, J41.0 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for asthmatic chronic bronchitis?
- J44.89 — Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What is the ICD-10 code for catarrhal chronic bronchitis?
- J41.0 — Simple chronic bronchitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for chemical chronic bronchitis?
- J68.4 — Chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors.
What is the ICD-10 code for emphysematous chronic bronchitis?
- J44.89 — Other specified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What is the ICD-10 code for mucopurulent chronic bronchitis?
- J41.1 — Mucopurulent chronic bronchitis.
What is the ICD-10 code for non-obstructive chronic bronchitis?
- J41.0 — Simple chronic bronchitis.
Is J42 billable?
- Yes. J42 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can J42 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J42 as a principal diagnosis.
Is J42 a CC or MCC?
- No. J42 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.