ICD-10 Code J44.81 – Bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J44.81 – Bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome
What it is
J44.81 identifies bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, a chronic obstructive airway condition marked by fixed narrowing of the small airways. Use it when the record specifically names this diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include persistent airflow obstruction, cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath that do not fully reverse. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J44.81 when the provider documents bronchiolitis obliterans or bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome as the active diagnosis. It also fits follow-up visits for a confirmed history when the condition remains clinically relevant. Check documentation if the note only says “bronchiolitis” or another obstructive lung disease.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute bronchiolitis, asthma, or chronic bronchitis unless bronchiolitis obliterans is specifically documented. If the diagnosis is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code only when the provider states bronchiolitis obliterans or BOS explicitly; similar respiratory symptoms alone are not enough.