ICD-10 Code J12.81 – Pneumonia due to SARS-associated coronavirus (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J12.81 – Pneumonia due to SARS-associated coronavirus
What it is
This code identifies pneumonia caused by SARS-associated coronavirus. Use it when the record documents a coronavirus infection with lung involvement rather than a nonspecific viral pneumonia.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and radiographic evidence of pneumonia. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for confirmed SARS-associated coronavirus involvement.
When to use this code
Assign J12.81 when the provider states pneumonia is due to SARS-associated coronavirus or clearly links the organism to the pneumonia. Use it for confirmed cases documented in the chart, not for suspected infection alone. If the record only says coronavirus without specifying SARS-associated coronavirus, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pneumonia caused by other viruses or for unspecified viral pneumonia. Do not use it when SARS-associated coronavirus is not documented or cannot be supported in the record.
Coding tip
Look for an explicit causal statement connecting pneumonia to SARS-associated coronavirus before assigning J12.81.