ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for upper respiratory infection
Confirmed by the official ICD-10-CM index entry “infection, infected, infective (opportunistic) › respiratory (tract) nec › upper (acute) nos”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding upper respiratory infection
The ICD-10-CM code for upper respiratory infection is J06.9 (Acute upper respiratory infection, unspecified). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on J06.9.
It is also searched as URI, common cold.
Within J06, choose J06.9 (upper respiratory infection, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: laryngopharyngitis (J06.0).
Use an additional code (B95-B97) to identify infectious agent, if known, such as: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (B97.4).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
Related Upper respiratory infection codes
Common questions about upper respiratory infection ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for upper respiratory infection?
- J06.9 — Acute upper respiratory infection, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J00, J06.0.
What is the ICD-10 code for acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]?
- J00 — Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold].
What is the ICD-10 code for acute laryngopharyngitis?
- J06.0 — Acute laryngopharyngitis.
Is J06.9 billable?
- Yes. J06.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can J06.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict J06.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is J06.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. J06.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.