ICD-10 Code J06.9 – Acute upper respiratory infection, unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J06.9 – Acute upper respiratory infection, unspecified
What it is
J06.9 identifies an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract when the specific site or cause is not documented. Use it for short-term illnesses involving the nose, throat, or related passages when no more precise diagnosis is recorded.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper-airway symptoms consistent with a nonspecific acute respiratory infection.
When to use this code
Use J06.9 when the provider documents an acute upper respiratory infection but does not specify bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, or another more defined condition. It also fits cases where the note confirms an upper respiratory infection and the documentation remains nonspecific. If the record names a specific organism or site, code that diagnosis instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for influenza, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, or clearly documented sinus, ear, or throat infections. Check documentation if the provider identifies a more specific respiratory diagnosis.
Coding tip
Assign J06.9 only when the chart supports an acute upper respiratory infection and no further detail is available.