ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for respiratory obstruction
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Obstruction, obstructed, obstructive › respiratory”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding respiratory obstruction
The ICD-10-CM code for respiratory obstruction is J98.8 (Other specified respiratory disorders). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J98.8.
Within J98, choose J98.8 (Other specified respiratory disorders) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: diseases of bronchus, not elsewhere classified (J98.0), pulmonary collapse (J98.1), interstitial emphysema (J98.2), Compensatory emphysema (J98.3), other disorders of lung (J98.4), diseases of mediastinum, not elsewhere classified (J98.5), disorders of diaphragm (J98.6) and respiratory disorder, unspecified (J98.9).
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 respiratory obstruction codes (official index)
- chronic J44.9 — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified
Common questions about respiratory obstruction ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for respiratory obstruction?
- J98.8 — Other specified respiratory disorders. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J44.9.
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic respiratory obstruction?
- J44.9 — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified.
Is J98.8 billable?
- Yes. J98.8 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can J98.8 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J98.8 as a principal diagnosis.
Is J98.8 a CC or MCC?
- No. J98.8 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.