ICD-10 Code J96.92 – Respiratory failure, unspecified with hypercapnia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.92 – Respiratory failure, unspecified with hypercapnia
What it is
This code identifies respiratory failure when the record does not specify acute or chronic status, but does document hypercapnia. Use it when the patient has inadequate ventilation with elevated carbon dioxide noted in the chart.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include dyspnea, altered mental status, somnolence, or signs of ventilatory failure. Documentation should confirm respiratory failure and hypercapnia; if uncertain, refer to the provider’s wording.
When to use this code
Use J96.92 when the provider documents respiratory failure and also notes hypercapnia, but does not specify whether the condition is acute, chronic, or acute on chronic. It may also fit when the diagnosis is recorded as unspecified respiratory failure with CO2 retention. Check documentation if the note is incomplete or conflicting.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for respiratory failure without hypercapnia, or when the type of respiratory failure is clearly specified elsewhere. Do not assign it if the chart only shows abnormal blood gas results without a documented diagnosis.
Coding tip
Verify that both “respiratory failure” and “hypercapnia” are documented before assigning J96.92.