J42 ICD-10-CM Code: Unspecified chronic bronchitis
A clear reference for the official code description, hierarchy, and related coding information from the April 2026 U.S. release.
Code definition
Official description
J42Unspecified chronic bronchitis
ICD-10-CM diagnosis code · United States clinical modification
Classification
Where J42 sits
- 1
Chapter 10
Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
- 2
Section
Chronic lower respiratory diseases (J40-J4A)
- 3
Category J42
Unspecified chronic bronchitis
- 4
Code J42
Unspecified chronic bronchitis
Documentation details
Notes for this code
Inclusion terms
- Chronic bronchitis NOS
- Chronic tracheitis
- Chronic tracheobronchitis
Code first
No “code first” instruction is listed for J42.
Use additional code
No “use additional code” instruction is listed for J42.
Excludes1
Conditions that should not be reported together with this code.
- 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.-)
Excludes2
Conditions not included here that may be reported separately when present.
No Excludes2 note is listed for J42.
Transparency
Source and release
This reference is generated from Vero’s ICD-10-CM description, hierarchy, and code-note dataset. The visible content and structured data share that source.
Review the CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM sourceCode-specific guidance
Frequently asked questions
What does ICD-10-CM code J42 mean?
J42 is the April 2026 U.S. ICD-10-CM code for “Unspecified chronic bronchitis.”
Is J42 a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code?
Yes. In the April 2026 reference data used on this page, J42 has no child codes and is presented as a billable/specific code. Always confirm the active code set and payer requirements before use.
Where is J42 located in ICD-10-CM?
J42 is listed in Chapter 10, Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99), within Chronic lower respiratory diseases (J40-J4A) (J40–J4A), under category J42, Unspecified chronic bronchitis.
What coding notes are listed for J42?
Its listed inclusion terms are Chronic bronchitis NOS; Chronic tracheitis; Chronic tracheobronchitis. No code-first instruction is listed. Excludes1 notes: 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.-). No Excludes2 note is listed.
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