ICD-10 Code J41 – Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J41 – Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis
What it is
J41 identifies chronic bronchitis without emphysema, including simple and mucopurulent forms. Use it when the record describes long-term bronchial inflammation with ongoing cough and sputum production.
Clinical signs
Common findings include chronic productive cough, mucus production, and recurrent bronchial irritation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for whether the bronchitis is simple or mucopurulent.
When to use this code
Use J41 when the provider documents chronic bronchitis and does not describe emphysema or another more specific chronic obstructive lung disease. It may also fit records that specify simple chronic bronchitis or mucopurulent chronic bronchitis. Check documentation if the note suggests COPD, asthma, or an acute infection instead.
Do not use for
Do not use J41 for acute bronchitis, bronchitis with emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease coded elsewhere. If the diagnosis is unclear or mixed with another lung disorder, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider’s exact wording, because “chronic bronchitis” alone may need a more specific COPD-related code in some records.