ICD-10 Code J44 – Other Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J44 – Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
What it is
J44 identifies chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that does not fit a more specific COPD category. Use it for chronic airflow limitation when the record supports COPD, but the exact subtype is not documented.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include chronic cough, sputum production, dyspnea, wheezing, and persistent airflow obstruction consistent with COPD.
When to use this code
Use J44 when the provider documents COPD, chronic obstructive airway disease, or a similar chronic obstructive lung condition without naming a more specific type. It is also appropriate when the record supports COPD but does not specify emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Check documentation if the note is ambiguous.
Do not use for
Do not use J44 for acute bronchitis, asthma, or isolated emphysema or chronic bronchitis when a more specific code is documented. If the diagnosis is unclear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the most specific COPD diagnosis available; if specificity is missing, J44 is the fallback only when COPD is clearly documented.