ICD-10 Code J96.00 – Acute respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.00 – Acute respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia
What it is
J96.00 identifies acute respiratory failure when the record does not specify whether the problem is hypoxia, hypercapnia, or both. Use it for a sudden failure of breathing that needs prompt clinical attention.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include acute shortness of breath, increased work of breathing, and evidence that oxygenation or ventilation is impaired. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute respiratory failure but does not specify hypoxia or hypercapnia. It also fits when the record states respiratory failure without further detail and no more specific code is supported. Check documentation if another respiratory failure code is named.
Do not use for
Do not use it for chronic respiratory failure or for acute-on-chronic respiratory failure unless documented that way. Avoid it when the chart clearly specifies hypoxia or hypercapnia and a more specific code applies.
Coding tip
Code the highest level of specificity supported by the provider’s documentation, and query if the type of respiratory failure is unclear.