ICD-10 Code J44.0 – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) lower respiratory infection (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J44.0 – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) lower respiratory infection
What it is
This code identifies COPD when it is accompanied by an acute lower respiratory infection, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Use it when the record clearly links the infection to the COPD episode.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see increased cough, sputum production, wheezing, dyspnea, or other signs of an acute lower respiratory infection in a patient with known COPD.
When to use this code
Use J44.0 when the provider documents COPD with a current acute lower respiratory infection. The infection should be part of the active encounter, not just a past history item. If the note does not specify the infection type or relationship, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for COPD without infection, or for upper respiratory infections alone. If the chart does not show an acute lower respiratory infection, choose a more specific COPD code or check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign the additional code for the specific infection when documented, because J44.0 alone does not identify the infectious organism or exact diagnosis.