ICD-10 J15
Non-Billable HeaderBacterial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified
About ICD-10-CM J15
ICD-10-CM code J15 represents Bacterial pneumonia, not elsewhere classified. This is a non-billable header code in the Respiratory System chapter (block J15). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM J15 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with J15. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- chlamydial pneumonia (J16.0)
- congenital pneumonia (P23.-)
- Legionnaires' disease (A48.1)
- spirochetal pneumonia (A69.8)
Includes
- bronchopneumonia due to bacteria other than S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae
Coding Notes
Code Also
- , if applicable, any associated condition such as:
- abscess (J85.1)
- aspiration pneumonia (J69.-)
Code First
- , if applicable, associated influenza (J09.X1, J10.0-, J11.0-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for J15
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list J15 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing J15.
5 Humana Medicare Advantage
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with J15
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To J15
Other codes in section J09-J18 (Influenza and pneumonia).
ICD-10 J15, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code J15 billable? +
No, J15 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block J15 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for J15? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with J15): chlamydial pneumonia (J16.0); congenital pneumonia (P23.-); Legionnaires' disease (A48.1)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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