ICD-10 Code J96.01 – Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.01 – Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia
What it is
J96.01 identifies acute respiratory failure in which the lungs do not provide enough oxygen to the body. Use it when documentation states hypoxia or hypoxemia as the reason for the acute respiratory failure.
Clinical signs
Common findings include shortness of breath, low oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm the provider links the hypoxia to acute respiratory failure.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly documents acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, including cases requiring supplemental oxygen or close respiratory support. It may be assigned when the provider states hypoxic respiratory failure or equivalent wording. Check documentation if the note does not clearly connect the hypoxia to the failure.
Do not use for
Do not use it for chronic respiratory failure, isolated hypoxemia, or respiratory distress without acute respiratory failure. If the documentation is unclear, check documentation rather than assuming J96.01.
Coding tip
Code J96.01 only when the provider explicitly documents acute respiratory failure with hypoxia or hypoxemia.