ICD-10 Code J16.8 – Pneumonia due to other specified infectious organisms (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J16.8 – Pneumonia due to other specified infectious organisms
What it is
J16.8 identifies pneumonia caused by an infectious organism that is specified in the record but does not have its own more specific ICD-10 code. Use it when the provider names the organism and the documentation supports pneumonia.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings include cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and imaging consistent with pneumonia, with the causative organism identified in the chart.
When to use this code
Use J16.8 when the diagnosis states pneumonia due to a named organism that is not classified elsewhere in ICD-10-CM. It is appropriate when the record clearly links the organism to the pneumonia and no more specific code applies. Check documentation if the organism is listed only as a colonizer or if the pneumonia cause is uncertain.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pneumonia with an unspecified cause, or when a more specific organism code is available. Also avoid it if the chart does not clearly document pneumonia due to the organism.
Coding tip
Confirm both the pneumonia diagnosis and the named infectious organism before assigning J16.8.