ICD-10 Code J96.22 – Acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code J96.22 – Acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia
What it is
J96.22 identifies respiratory failure that is both acute and chronic, with elevated carbon dioxide in the blood. Use it when documentation shows worsening ventilation on top of an ongoing respiratory failure condition.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include dyspnea, confusion, somnolence, or signs of hypoventilation, along with provider-documented hypercapnia and respiratory failure.
When to use this code
Use J96.22 when the record clearly states acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia. It may also apply when the provider documents acute-on-chronic ventilatory failure and specifies CO2 retention. If the note does not clearly support both acute and chronic components, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic respiratory failure without an acute component, or for respiratory distress without documented failure. Do not assign it when hypercapnia is not documented or cannot be supported by the record.
Coding tip
Code only what the provider documents, and confirm both the acute/chronic status and hypercapnia before assigning J96.22.