ICD-10 Code J96.90 – Respiratory failure, unspecified, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.90 – Respiratory failure, unspecified, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia
What it is
Use this code for respiratory failure when the record does not specify whether hypoxia, hypercapnia, or both are present. It identifies a serious loss of normal breathing function without further detail.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include shortness of breath, abnormal gas exchange, or need for ventilatory support, but the record must support respiratory failure as the diagnosis.
When to use this code
Assign J96.90 when the provider documents respiratory failure but does not specify the type. Use it for discharge summaries, progress notes, or consults that confirm respiratory failure without hypoxia or hypercapnia detail.
If the chart later specifies acute, chronic, hypoxic, or hypercapnic respiratory failure, code the documented condition instead. Check documentation for associated underlying causes that may also require coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for respiratory distress, dyspnea, or abnormal breathing alone. It is also wrong when the record clearly states a more specific respiratory failure type.
Coding tip
Code the most specific respiratory failure documented, and query the provider if the note only says “failure” without clear type or confirmation.