Acute Bronchitis ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

Looking for ICD-10 codes for acute bronchitis? Learn the commonly used codes, clinical descriptions & billing information in Carepatron’s informative guide.

By RJ Gumban on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Acute Bronchitis?

In medical billing and coding, accuracy and precision are paramount, especially when dealing with common respiratory conditions like acute bronchitis — a condition typified by inflammation of the bronchial tubes — the primary airways into our lungs.

Accurately capturing acute bronchitis in clinical records entails using specific ICD-10 codes, each reflecting a different cause or manifestation of the illness. Here are some of the most widely applied ICD-10 codes for acute bronchitis:

J20.8: Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms: This code is employed when the causative agent of bronchitis is an organism not generally linked with the condition. It encompasses a variety of clinical circumstances, including acute bronchitis with bronchospasm, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, acute fibrinous bronchitis, membranous bronchitis, purulent bronchitis, and even septic bronchitis.

J20.9: Acute bronchitis, unspecified: This code is utilized when bronchitis's specific cause or instigating organism is unknown or not documented within the patient's clinical records.

J40: Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic: In cases where bronchitis has been recorded but without specific mention of it being acute or chronic, this is the code used. Importantly, this doesn't cover cases of tracheobronchitis or bronchitis that are NOS (not otherwise specified).

J44.0: Chronic obstructive bronchitis with acute exacerbation: This code applies when a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) undergoes an acute worsening or exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.

J20.5: Acute bronchitis due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): In instances where the respiratory syncytial virus definitively causes acute bronchitis, this is the applicable ICD-10 code.

J20.0: Acute bronchitis due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae: This code is used when acute bronchitis can be attributed specifically to the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

J20.1: Acute bronchitis due to Hemophilus influenzae: This code is applicable when the Hemophilus influenzae bacteria directly cause the condition.

These outlined ICD-10 codes represent just a selection of those used in documenting acute bronchitis. The particular clinical details and associated conditions can significantly influence the appropriate code selection. The depth and breadth of ICD-10 coding ensure that clinicians can accurately capture the complexities of each patient's condition.

For further insight into the Acute Bronchitis ICD Codes and additional medical billing and coding resources, please visit the Carepatron website.

Which Acute Bronchitis ICD Codes are Billable?

All the above ICD-10 codes for acute bronchitis are billable for medical services related to diagnosing and treating acute bronchitis.

Clinical Information

Definition and Symptoms

Acute bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the air passageways connecting the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. This inflammation results in coughing that often produces mucus and may be accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Causes

Common colds and influenza viruses are the main causes of acute bronchitis. These viruses are typically spread via airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes or through physical contact, such as touching contaminated surfaces followed by touching the face.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, dust, vapors, and fumes, can also lead to acute bronchitis. Bacterial infections can also cause acute bronchitis, though they are not as common as viral causes.

Progression and Duration

Symptoms of acute bronchitis often improve within several days, but the cough may persist for weeks, even after the infection has resolved. It is advised to seek medical consultation for a proper diagnosis and treatment if suspected.

Treatment

Management of acute bronchitis often involves supportive care such as rest, maintaining hydration, and using over-the-counter medications to manage fever. A humidifier or steam can also help soothe the inflamed airways. In some cases, inhaled medications may be prescribed to help open the airways, especially in wheezing.

Antibiotics are generally ineffective against viral infections, the most common cause of acute bronchitis. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if a healthcare provider suspects a bacterial cause.

Differential Diagnosis

It is important to distinguish acute bronchitis from other respiratory conditions like pneumonia or chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis can be more severe in patients with chronic lung or heart disease, potentially leading to chronic bronchitis or even progressing to pneumonia.

Synonyms

Acute bronchitis with COPD
Acute bronchitis due to other specified organisms
Acute bronchitis with bronchospasm
Acute bronchitis with tracheitis
Acute bronchitis with tracheobronchitis
Acute fibrinous bronchitis
Acute membranous bronchitis
Acute purulent bronchitis
Acute septic bronchitis

Commonly asked questions

You should use an ICD code for acute bronchitis when documenting and coding cases of acute bronchitis in medical billing and coding processes.

Yes, diagnoses related to acute bronchitis are billable for medical services rendered.

Common treatments for acute bronchitis include rest, plenty of fluids, over-the-counter cough medications, and, if necessary, medications to relieve bronchospasm or manage underlying conditions such as COPD.

EHR and practice management software

Get started for free

*No credit card required

Start for free

Free

$0/usd

Unlimited clients

Telehealth

1GB of storage

Client portal text

Automated billing and online payments