ICD-10 Code J45.902 – Unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J45.902 – Unspecified asthma with status asthmaticus
What it is
This code describes asthma with a severe, prolonged attack that does not clearly fit another asthma type. Use it when the record says status asthmaticus but does not specify the asthma classification.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Status asthmaticus typically means persistent asthma symptoms with significant breathing difficulty that does not promptly improve with usual rescue measures.
When to use this code
Use J45.902 when the clinician documents unspecified asthma and also documents status asthmaticus. It fits encounters for acute severe asthma where the subtype is not identified in the chart. Make sure the note supports both the asthma diagnosis and the status asthmaticus episode.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the asthma type is documented more specifically, such as allergic, exercise-induced, or cough variant asthma. Do not use it when status asthmaticus is not stated.
Coding tip
Check the provider note for both the asthma category and the status asthmaticus wording before assigning this code.