ICD-10 Code J45.41 – Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J45.41 – Moderate persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation
What it is
This code identifies moderate persistent asthma that has worsened into an acute flare. Use it when documentation shows both the chronic asthma severity and the current exacerbation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, you may see increased wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath during an asthma flare.
When to use this code
Use J45.41 when the provider documents moderate persistent asthma and also states there is an acute exacerbation. The record should support both the baseline severity and the worsening episode. If the note only says asthma flare without severity, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for asthma without an exacerbation or when the severity is not documented as moderate persistent. If the chart specifies a different asthma type, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Code the severity and the exacerbation together only when both are clearly documented.