J96
Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified
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This code does not map to a risk-adjusting HCC in the loaded models.
Coding notes
Excludes 1 never coded together · Excludes 2 may co-exist
certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96) certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99) complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A) congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99) endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88) injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88) neoplasms (C00-D49) smoke inhalation (T59.81-) symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)
code, where applicable, to identify: exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22) exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81) history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891) occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31) tobacco dependence (F17.-) tobacco use (Z72.0)
When a respiratory condition is described as occurring in more than one site and is not specifically indexed, it should be classified to the lower anatomic site (e.g. tracheobronchitis to bronchitis in J40).
Official Guidelines for J96
FY 2026 ›Sections that reference J96
- I.C.1.g.1)(c)(v)Acute respiratory failureChapter 1
For acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19, assign code U07.1, and code J96.0-, Acute respiratory failure.
- I.C.10.b.1)Acute respiratory failure as principal diagnosis
A code from subcategory J96.0, Acute respiratory failure, or subcategory J96.2, Acute and chronic respiratory failure, may be assigned as a principal …
- I.C.10.eVaping-related disorders
… assign only code U07.0. Assign additional codes for other manifestations, such as acute respiratory failure (subcategory J96.0-) or pneumonitis (code J68.0). …
- I.C.21.c.3)StatusChapter 21
… For encounters for weaning from a mechanical ventilator, assign a code from subcategory J96.1, Chronic respiratory failure, followed by code Z99.11, Dependence on respirator [ventilator] status. …
Sections whose FY 2026 text names J96, its J96 category, or a range containing it — the chapter guidance above is the authoritative source.