ICD-10 Code J47.1 – Bronchiectasis with (acute) exacerbation (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J47.1 – Bronchiectasis with (acute) exacerbation
What it is
J47.1 identifies bronchiectasis that is currently worsening in an acute flare. It means the patient has chronic airway dilation with increased symptoms or instability beyond baseline.
Clinical signs
Look for chronic productive cough, recurrent respiratory infections, and evidence of an acute worsening. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use J47.1 when the provider documents bronchiectasis with an acute exacerbation, flare, or worsening episode. The record should show that the patient has established bronchiectasis and that the current encounter is for the exacerbation.
If the note only describes stable bronchiectasis or a history of the condition, this code is not appropriate. Check documentation for any separate infection or other cause of the flare.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for bronchiectasis without an acute exacerbation. Do not use it when the diagnosis is uncertain or when another condition better explains the current symptoms.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider explicitly links the acute flare to bronchiectasis before assigning J47.1.