ICD-10 Code J41.0 – Simple chronic bronchitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J41.0 – Simple chronic bronchitis
What it is
J41.0 identifies simple chronic bronchitis, a form of chronic bronchitis without airway obstruction. It describes long-standing inflammation of the bronchi with persistent mucus production.
Clinical signs
Patients commonly have a chronic productive cough and may report excess sputum over time. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm that the record supports chronic bronchitis rather than an acute infection.
When to use this code
Use J41.0 when the provider documents simple chronic bronchitis specifically, and there is no evidence of obstructive chronic bronchitis or COPD. It may be appropriate for follow-up visits, problem lists, or encounters focused on the chronic condition. Check documentation if the note is vague.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis with obstruction, or unspecified chronic lower respiratory disease. If the record mentions COPD or emphysema, verify the correct diagnosis before coding.
Coding tip
Code only when the provider clearly documents simple chronic bronchitis and distinguish it from obstructive disease.