ICD-10 J44.9
Billable / Specific HCC v28: 111Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified
About ICD-10-CM J44.9
ICD-10-CM code J44.9 represents Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, unspecified. This is a billable/specific code in the Respiratory System chapter (block J44). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM J44.9 became effective on October 1, 2025.
Coding Tips for J44.9
Specialist guidance from the PayerReady Medical Coding Team. Specificity warnings, HCC capture rules, sequencing notes.
J44.9 is a CMS-HCC v28 risk-adjustment code (category 111). To count for the patient Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF), document the diagnosis with MEAT language each calendar year: Monitored, Evaluated, Assessed, Treated. A diagnosis on the problem list alone does not satisfy CMS RADV audit standards. Include the diagnosis in the assessment with current status and current treatment plan.
Inclusion Terms / Approximate Synonyms
Clinical terms and conditions classified under J44.9. Per CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular 2026.
- Chronic obstructive airway disease NOS
- Chronic obstructive lung disease NOS
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of J44.9, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)
Medicare Advantage HCC Impact
Capture this diagnosis annually for accurate risk adjustment. Missed HCC captures are the #1 revenue leak in Medicare Advantage risk programs.
Medicare LCD Coverage for J44.9
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list J44.9 as a covered diagnosis.
Showing top 10 of 925 total . Click a CPT for full coverage scope.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing J44.9.
2 Aetna
5 Medicare
Convert J44.9 to ICD-9-CM
Per CMS General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
| ICD-10 | ICD-9 | Mapping Flags |
|---|---|---|
| J44.9 | 49120 | 10000 |
| J44.9 | 49320 | 10000 |
| J44.9 | 496 | 10000 |
Flags format (5 digits): Approximate · No Map · Combination · Scenario · Choice List. Source: CMS 2017 GEMs (final version).
Codes Adjacent To J44.9
Other codes in section J40-J4A (Chronic lower respiratory diseases).
ICD-10 J44.9, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code J44.9 billable? +
Yes, J44.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM code that can appear as a primary or secondary diagnosis on claims.
What other names or terms map to J44.9? +
ICD-10 J44.9 includes: Chronic obstructive airway disease NOS; Chronic obstructive lung disease NOS.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for J44.9? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): lung diseases due to external agents (J60-J70)
Does J44.9 affect Medicare Advantage HCC risk adjustment? +
Yes. J44.9 maps to CMS-HCC v28 category 111. Capture this diagnosis annually for accurate Medicare Advantage risk score.
What CPT codes are commonly billed with J44.9? +
Procedures frequently paired with J44.9 include: 94626, 94625.
What ICD-9 codes does J44.9 map to? +
Per CMS GEMs, J44.9 maps to ICD-9 codes: 49120, 49320, 496. Useful for legacy data review and historical claim analysis.
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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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