ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for chronic tracheitis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Tracheitis (catarrhal) (infantile) (membranous) (plastic) (septal) (suppurative) (viral) › chronic”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding chronic tracheitis
The ICD-10-CM code for chronic tracheitis is J42 (Unspecified chronic bronchitis). The official index lists 2 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 tracheitis codes (official index)
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for J42)
Common questions about chronic tracheitis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic tracheitis?
- J42 — Unspecified chronic bronchitis. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J42, J37.1.
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.