Other acute lower respiratory infections
ICD-10 Codes (6)
J21J21.0J21.1J21.8J21.9J22Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (2)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for J20-J22 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The J20-J22 code range in the ICD-10 refers to other acute lower respiratory infections. This includes acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, unspecified acute lower respiratory infection, and other acute lower respiratory infections. These codes are used to document various acute infections of the lower respiratory tract, excluding pneumonia and influenza.
Key Usage Points:
- •J20 codes are used for acute bronchitis caused by different organisms.
- •J21 codes are used for acute bronchiolitis.
- •J22 is used when the lower respiratory infection is acute but unspecified.
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Consider additional codes for any associated tobacco use.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with acute bronchitis caused by a specific organism.
- ✓When a patient has acute bronchiolitis.
- ✓When a patient has an acute lower respiratory infection, but the specific type is not documented.
- ✓When a patient has a respiratory infection that is acute and lower, but not pneumonia or influenza.
- ✓When a patient has a recurrent lower respiratory infection.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the patient has chronic bronchitis.
- ✗When the patient has pneumonia or influenza.
- ✗When the patient has an upper respiratory infection.
- ✗When the patient has a non-infectious respiratory condition.
- ✗When the patient has a respiratory condition that is not acute.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions in the patient's medical record and the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation for codes in the J20-J22 range should include the type and acuity of the infection, the organism causing the infection if known, and any associated tobacco use. Documentation should be clear, specific, and backed by clinical evidence.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of lower respiratory infection
- •Acuity of the infection
- •Causative organism, if known
- •Associated tobacco use
- •Recurrent infections, if applicable
Supporting Evidence:
- •Lab results identifying the organism
- •Imaging studies, if applicable
- •Physical examination findings
- •Patient's smoking history
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with acute bronchitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Smokes one pack of cigarettes daily.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has bronchitis.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the acuity of the infection
- ⚠Not identifying the causative organism when known
- ⚠Not documenting associated tobacco use
- ⚠Not coding recurrent infections
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for this range can be complex due to the need to identify the specific organism causing the infection, distinguish between acute and chronic conditions, and code for associated tobacco use. Additionally, distinguishing between lower and upper respiratory infections can be challenging.
Key Factors:
- ▸Identifying the causative organism
- ▸Distinguishing between acute and chronic conditions
- ▸Recognizing and coding associated tobacco use
- ▸Distinguishing between lower and upper respiratory infections
- ▸Identifying recurrent infections
Specialty Focus
These codes are most frequently used by pulmonologists, primary care physicians, and pediatricians. They are also relevant for emergency medicine and hospital medicine.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A child with acute bronchiolitis caused by RSV
- • An adult smoker with acute bronchitis
- • A patient with recurrent acute bronchitis
- • A patient with an acute lower respiratory infection of unknown cause
- • A patient with a history of COPD presenting with acute bronchitis
Resources & References
Resources for coding in the J20-J22 range include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the CDC's ICD-10-CM browser, and various coding manuals and textbooks.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- CDC ICD-10-CM Browser
- AHIMA Coding Manual
- AAPC Coding Textbook
Clinical References:
- UpToDate: Acute Bronchitis in Adults
- Medscape: Acute Bronchiolitis
- Mayo Clinic: Lower Respiratory Infection
Educational Materials:
- AAPC Webinar: Coding for Respiratory Conditions
- AHIMA Online Course: ICD-10-CM Coding
Frequently Asked Questions
Can J22 be used if the type of lower respiratory infection is known?
No, J22 is used for unspecified acute lower respiratory infections. If the type of infection is known, a more specific code should be used.