ICD-10 Code J15.8 – Pneumonia due to other specified bacteria (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J15.8 – Pneumonia due to other specified bacteria
What it is
J15.8 identifies pneumonia caused by a bacterial organism that is specified in the record but not covered by another more specific ICD-10-CM code. Use it when the documentation names the bacteria and confirms pneumonia.
Clinical signs
Clinical features commonly include cough, fever, sputum production, dyspnea, and chest findings consistent with pneumonia. Imaging or other evaluation should support the diagnosis; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents pneumonia due to a named bacterium that does not have its own specific code in the category. It also fits cases where the organism is identified as “other specified bacteria” and pneumonia is clearly documented. Check documentation if the cause is uncertain.
Do not use for
Do not use J15.8 for viral, fungal, aspiration, or unspecified pneumonia. Also avoid it when the record does not identify a bacterial cause or when a more specific pneumonia code is available.
Coding tip
Code the organism exactly as documented and verify that pneumonia is explicitly stated before assigning J15.8.