ICD-10 Code J16 – Pneumonia due to other infectious organisms, not elsewhere classified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J16 – Pneumonia due to other infectious organisms, not elsewhere classified
What it is
Use this code for pneumonia caused by an infectious organism that is not classified elsewhere in ICD-10-CM. It covers cases where the provider identifies an infectious cause, but a more specific code is not available.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical pneumonia findings may include cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and abnormal lung examination or imaging consistent with infection.
When to use this code
Assign J16 when the record states pneumonia due to another infectious organism and the organism is not indexed to a more specific category. Use the documented organism if a more specific code exists. If the provider documents pneumonia without a named organism, check documentation before coding J16.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for viral pneumonia, aspiration pneumonia, or pneumonia due to organisms with their own specific ICD-10-CM codes. Do not use it when documentation only says “pneumonia” without identifying an infectious cause.
Coding tip
Match the organism and pneumonia type exactly to the provider note and ICD-10-CM index before choosing J16.