ICD-10 Code J96.91 – Respiratory failure, unspecified with hypoxia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.91 – Respiratory failure, unspecified with hypoxia
What it is
J96.91 identifies respiratory failure when the type is not further specified and hypoxia is present. Use it when the record documents inadequate oxygenation, but does not clearly state acute, chronic, or acute-on-chronic failure.
Clinical signs
Common findings include shortness of breath, low oxygen saturation, and signs of respiratory distress. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact type and supporting assessment.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents respiratory failure with hypoxia and does not specify whether it is acute or chronic. It also fits cases where the chart supports hypoxic respiratory failure, but the final diagnosis remains nonspecific. Check documentation if another respiratory failure code is more precise.
Do not use for
Do not use it for respiratory failure without documented hypoxia. Avoid it when the record clearly identifies acute, chronic, or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure, since a more specific code may apply.
Coding tip
Confirm that hypoxia is explicitly documented before assigning J96.91.