J42
✓ Billable
Unspecified chronic bronchitis
ICD-10-CM · FY2026 · Diseases of the Respiratory System
Code
J42
System
ICD-10-CM
Billable
Yes — valid for submission
Effective
FY2026
Chapter
Diseases of the Respiratory System
Source
CMS / CDC NCHS
⚠ Verify before billing. Confirm against the current CMS/NCHS ICD-10-CM files and your payer's rules before claims submission.
Official coding notes
From CMS's ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Also known as
- Chronic bronchitis NOS
- Chronic tracheitis
- Chronic tracheobronchitis
Excludes1 — never code together
- bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (J44.81)
- chronic asthmatic bronchitis (J44.-)
- chronic bronchitis with airways obstruction (J44.-)
- chronic emphysematous bronchitis (J44.-)
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease NOS (J44.9)
- simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (J41.-)
Use additional code
- 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.-)
- tobacco use (Z72.0)
Code also
- , if applicable, chronic respiratory conditions due to chemicals, gases, fumes and vapors (J68.4)
Frequently asked questions
What is ICD-10 code J42?
ICD-10-CM code J42 represents Unspecified chronic bronchitis. It is a billable diagnosis code in the Diseases of the Respiratory System chapter, effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
Is J42 billable?
Yes. J42 is a valid billable ICD-10-CM code for insurance claims and clinical documentation.
What chapter is J42 in?
J42 belongs to the Diseases of the Respiratory System chapter (J00–J99) of ICD-10-CM.
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