ICD-10 J44
Non-Billable HeaderOther chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
About ICD-10-CM J44
ICD-10-CM code J44 represents Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is a non-billable header code in the Respiratory System chapter (block J44). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM J44 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 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of J44, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- bronchiectasis (J47.-)
- chronic bronchitis NOS (J42)
- chronic simple and mucopurulent bronchitis (J41.-)
- chronic tracheitis (J42)
- chronic tracheobronchitis (J42)
- emphysema without chronic bronchitis (J43.-)
Includes
- asthma with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- chronic asthmatic (obstructive) bronchitis
- chronic bronchitis with airway obstruction
- chronic bronchitis with emphysema
- chronic emphysematous bronchitis
- chronic obstructive asthma
- chronic obstructive bronchitis
- chronic obstructive tracheobronchitis
Coding Notes
Code Also
- type of asthma, if applicable (J45.-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for J44
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list J44 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 J44.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but J44 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with J44
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 J44
Other codes in section J40-J4A (Chronic lower respiratory diseases).
ICD-10 J44, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code J44 billable? +
No, J44 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block J44 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for J44? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): bronchiectasis (J47.-); chronic bronchitis NOS (J42); chronic simple and mucopurulent bronchitis (J41.-)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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