ICD-10 Code J96.02 – Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.02 – Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia
What it is
J96.02 identifies acute respiratory failure with elevated carbon dioxide in the blood. Use it when the record shows sudden inadequate ventilation causing hypercapnia, not just chronic lung disease.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings include acute shortness of breath, confusion, somnolence, or other signs of ventilatory failure with confirmed hypercapnia.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute respiratory failure and specifically links it to hypercapnia. It may appear in emergency, inpatient, or critical care notes when blood gas results or clinical assessment support acute ventilatory failure. Check documentation for the cause and acuity.
Do not use for
Do not use J96.02 for chronic hypercapnia without an acute respiratory failure diagnosis. Do not assign it when the chart only notes dyspnea, hypoxemia, or respiratory distress without documented hypercapnic failure.
Coding tip
Confirm that both acute respiratory failure and hypercapnia are documented together before coding J96.02.