ICD-10 Codes for Pulmonology Billing: Respiratory Code Reference
Reference for ICD-10-CM codes in pulmonology billing. Covers J00-J99 respiratory codes, COPD severity coding, asthma coding, and pneumonia documentation.
Using RESPIRATORY on a Claim
Reference for ICD-10-CM codes in pulmonology billing. Covers J00-J99 respiratory codes, COPD severity coding, asthma coding, and pneumonia documentation.
Source: AAPC Codify - ICD-10-CM 2025
RESPIRATORY in Detail
What does RESPIRATORY cover in detail?
Respiratory ICD-10-CM codes in the J00–J99 range cover COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary diseases, requiring documentation-supported specificity and, for asthma and COPD, severity classification.
See our ICD-10 codes hub and pulmonology billing guide for code selection guidance, and contact our medical coding team for respiratory billing support.
Using RESPIRATORY Correctly
How do I use RESPIRATORY correctly?
Specificity Requirements
ICD-10-CM requires the highest level of specificity. Use the most specific code available that is supported by clinical documentation.
Documentation Support
Clinical notes must clearly state the diagnosis that supports this code. Coders assign codes based on documented provider statements.
Procedure Linkage
Link this diagnosis code accurately to all procedures billed to demonstrate medical necessity for each service.
Payer Coverage
Verify that the payer covers the services billed with this diagnosis code. Some payers have limited coverage lists for specific ICD-10 codes.
Common Respiratory ICD-10-CM Codes
| ICD-10 Code | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| J44.9 | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified | COPD |
| J44.1 | COPD with acute exacerbation | COPD |
| J44.0 | COPD with acute lower respiratory infection | COPD |
| J45.20 | Mild intermittent asthma, uncomplicated | Asthma |
| J45.40 | Moderate persistent asthma, uncomplicated | Asthma |
| J45.50 | Severe persistent asthma, uncomplicated | Asthma |
| J45.901 | Unspecified asthma with (acute) exacerbation | Asthma |
| J18.9 | Pneumonia, unspecified organism | Pneumonia |
| J18.1 | Lobar pneumonia, unspecified organism | Pneumonia |
| J06.9 | Acute upper respiratory infection, unspecified | Upper respiratory infections |
Source: AAPC Codify - ICD-10-CM 2025
Related Billing Resources
RESPIRATORY, Frequently Asked Questions
Respiratory ICD-10-CM codes in the J00–J99 range cover COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary diseases, requiring documentation-supported specificity and, for asthma and COPD, severity classification.
See our ICD-10 codes hub and pulmonology billing guide for code selection guidance, and contact our medical coding team for respiratory billing support.
Having Trouble With This Code?
Our billing specialists can help you resolve denials, improve coding accuracy, and reduce claim rejections.
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