ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for severe persistent asthma
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Asthma, asthmatic (bronchial) (catarrh) (spasmodic) › severe persistent”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding severe persistent asthma
The ICD-10-CM code for severe persistent asthma is J45.50 (Severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J45.50.
Within J45.5 (severe persistent asthma), J45.50 is specifically for severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated. Related codes cover with (acute) exacerbation (J45.51) and with status asthmaticus (J45.52).
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.
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
More specific severe persistent asthma codes (official index)
Common questions about severe persistent asthma ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for severe persistent asthma?
- J45.50 — Severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J45.51, J45.52.
Is J45.50 billable?
- Yes. J45.50 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can J45.50 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J45.50 as a principal diagnosis.
Is J45.50 a CC or MCC?
- No. J45.50 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.