J42
✓ BillableUnspecified chronic bronchitis
Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
Also Known As
❌ Excludes1
directThese codes are mutually exclusive. Never code them 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.-)
📋 Code Instructions
direct- • 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)
Clinical Description
ICD-10-CM code J42 represents unspecified chronic bronchitis. This code falls under the Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99) classification. It is a billable/specific code valid for HIPAA-covered transactions as of October 1, 2025 (FY2026). This code can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes on insurance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICD-10 code J42?
ICD-10-CM code J42 is "Unspecified chronic bronchitis". It belongs to the category: Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).
Is J42 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, J42 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
What codes are excluded with J42?
J42 has 6 Excludes1 rule(s). These codes are mutually exclusive and cannot be coded together on the same claim.
🧪 Validate Combinations
Add J42 to the Excludes Checker to validate against your full code list.
Open in Checker →Code Information
Data Source
CMS ICD-10-CM 2026 Tabular List
Updated October 1, 2025 (FY2026)