Respiratory Failure ICD-10-CM Codes

Explore ICD-10-CM codes for respiratory failure in 2023. Discover commonly used codes, clinical descriptions, billable codes, synonyms, and more.

By Katherine Ellison on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

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Respiratory Failure ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Respiratory Failure

Respiratory failure is a critical condition requiring accurate coding for medical documentation and billing. Below are six commonly used respiratory failure ICD Codes, along with their comprehensive clinical descriptions:

J96.00 - Acute respiratory failure, unspecified, whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia

Used when acute respiratory failure is diagnosed but not specified as being accompanied by hypoxia or hypercapnia.

J96.01 - Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

This code indicates acute respiratory failure accompanied by low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia).

J96.02 - Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia

Employed when acute respiratory failure is accompanied by elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood (hypercapnia).

J96.10 - Chronic respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia

Used for cases of chronic respiratory failure without specific indication of hypoxia or hypercapnia.

J96.11 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia

This code signifies chronic respiratory failure with associated hypoxia.

J96.12 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia

Used for chronic respiratory failure cases with elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Which Respiratory Failure ICD Codes are Billable 

The following ICD-10-CM codes for respiratory failure are billable:

J96.00 - Acute respiratory failure, unspecified, whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia 

Yes, this code is billable when acute respiratory failure is diagnosed without specification of accompanying hypoxia or hypercapnia.

J96.01 - Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

Yes, billable code for acute respiratory failure accompanied by low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia).
J96.02 - Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia

Yes, Billable code when acute respiratory failure is accompanied by elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood (hypercapnia).

J96.10 - Chronic respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia 

Yes, this code is billable for cases of chronic respiratory failure without specific indications of hypoxia or hypercapnia.
J96.11 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia

Yes, billable code for chronic respiratory failure with associated hypoxia.

J96.12 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypercapniaYes, billable code for chronic respiratory failure cases with elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Clinical Information

  • Respiratory failure is when the respiratory system fails to maintain adequate oxygen supply or remove carbon dioxide from the blood.
  • It can be acute or chronic, resulting from lung infections, COPD, or heart failure.
  • Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, cyanosis (bluish skin), and altered mental status.
  • Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood gas analysis, chest X-rays, and lung function tests.
  • Treatment aims to improve oxygenation and ventilation, often requiring oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
  • Underlying causes, such as treating infections or managing chronic respiratory conditions, must be addressed.
  • Intensive care may be necessary for severe cases; monitoring is vital to prevent complications.
  • Prognosis varies based on the underlying cause, overall health, and timeliness of treatment.
  • Prevention involves managing risk factors like smoking, treating respiratory illnesses promptly, and adhering to prescribed therapies.
  • Respiratory failure requires immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

Synonyms Include

  • Lung failure
  • Breathing failure
  • Respiratory insufficiency
  • Inadequate oxygenation
  • Carbon dioxide retention
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Commonly asked questions

Can respiratory failure develop suddenly?

Yes, acute respiratory failure can occur suddenly due to various medical conditions or events, necessitating rapid medical attention.

Are all cases of respiratory failure related to lung diseases?

While many cases are associated with lung disorders, respiratory failure can also result from neuromuscular conditions or chest injuries.

What is the primary treatment for respiratory failure?

Treatment may include oxygen therapy, assisted ventilation, addressing the underlying cause, and supportive care tailored to the patient's condition.

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