Resp Failure ICD-10-CM Codes | 2023

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Resp Failure?

Respiratory failure is a serious medical condition that occurs when the respiratory system fails to adequately oxygenate the blood or remove carbon dioxide. Proper documentation and accurate coding are essential for effective communication and reimbursement. Here are some commonly used ICD-10-CM codes for respiratory failure, along with their clinical descriptions:

J96.01 - Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

This code is used when a patient presents with acute respiratory failure and low oxygen levels in the blood. It signifies the need for immediate medical attention and intervention.

J96.02 - Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia

This code is used when a patient presents with acute respiratory failure accompanied by high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. It indicates the inability of the respiratory system to remove carbon dioxide adequately.

J96.00 - Acute respiratory failure, unspecified

This code is used when the type of acute respiratory failure is not specified or cannot be determined. It is used as a general category when more specific information is unavailable.

J96.11 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia

This code is used when a patient presents with chronic respiratory failure and low oxygen levels in the blood. It signifies a long-standing impairment of the respiratory system.

J96.12 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia

This code is used when a patient presents with chronic respiratory failure accompanied by high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. It indicates an ongoing inability of the respiratory system to remove carbon dioxide adequately.

J96.90 - Respiratory failure, unspecified

This code is used when the respiratory failure is not further specified or when there is insufficient information to assign a more specific code. It serves as a general category for respiratory failure cases.

J96.91 - Acute and chronic respiratory failure, unspecified

This code is used when a patient presents with acute and chronic respiratory failure, but the type of respiratory failure is not specified. It indicates a combination of acute and ongoing respiratory dysfunction.

J96.92 - Chronic respiratory failure with acute exacerbation, unspecified

This code is used when a patient with chronic respiratory failure experiences an acute worsening condition, but the specific type of respiratory failure is not further specified.

Which Resp Failure ICD codes are Billable? 

J96.01 - Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia

Yes, this code is billable. It represents a specific and identifiable condition that requires medical intervention due to inadequate oxygenation.

J96.02 - Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia

Yes, this code is billable. It indicates a critical condition where there is an inability to remove carbon dioxide from the body, necessitating medical attention.

J96.00 - Acute respiratory failure, unspecified

Yes, this code is billable. While it represents a less specific category, it still indicates a significant respiratory issue that requires medical assessment and intervention.

J96.11 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia

Yes, this code is billable. It denotes an ongoing respiratory problem resulting in insufficient oxygenation, requiring continuous monitoring and management.

J96.12 - Chronic respiratory failure with hypercapnia

Yes, this code is billable. It signifies a chronic condition with an inability to eliminate carbon dioxide from the body adequately, necessitating ongoing medical care.

J96.90 - Respiratory failure, unspecified

Yes, this code is billable. While it represents a broad category, it still reflects a clinically significant respiratory failure that warrants medical attention.

J96.91 - Acute and chronic respiratory failure, unspecified

Yes, this code is billable. It indicates a combination of acute and chronic respiratory failure, highlighting the complexity and severity of the patient's condition.

J96.92 - Chronic respiratory failure with acute exacerbation, unspecified

Yes, this code is billable. It signifies an acute worsening of a chronic respiratory failure, requiring additional medical attention and management.

Clinical Information

• Respiratory failure refers to a condition in which the respiratory system fails to effectively oxygenate the blood or remove carbon dioxide, resulting in impaired gas exchange.
• It can occur acutely or chronically, with various underlying causes such as lung diseases, trauma, neuromuscular disorders, or drug overdose.
• Symptoms of respiratory failure may include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, bluish skin color (cyanosis), confusion, and decreased consciousness.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
• Common diagnostic tests for respiratory failure include arterial blood gas analysis, chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and imaging studies (CT scan, MRI).
• Treatment approaches focus on addressing the underlying cause, providing respiratory support, and optimizing oxygenation and ventilation.
• Non-invasive interventions like supplemental oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and respiratory physiotherapy may be employed.
• In more severe cases, invasive measures such as endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation may be necessary.
• Long-term management may involve pulmonary rehabilitation, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing monitoring to prevent further respiratory complications.
• The prognosis varies depending on the underlying condition, the patient's overall health, and the intervention's timeliness. Early recognition and appropriate management are key to improving outcomes in respiratory failure cases.

Synonyms Include:

• Pulmonary failure
• Breathing failure
• Ventilatory failure
• Respiratory insufficiency
• Respiratory collapse