ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code J43.9: Emphysema, unspecified
Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026
What is this code?
ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents emphysema, unspecified in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
Code hierarchy
chapter
10Diseases of the respiratory system (J00-J99)
block
J40-J4AChronic lower respiratory diseases
category
J43Emphysema
currentJ43
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Bullous emphysema (lung)(pulmonary)
- Emphysema (lung)(pulmonary) NOS
- Emphysematous bleb
- Vesicular emphysema (lung)(pulmonary)
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.
Related specialists
PulmonologistGeneral Physician
Related codes
Sibling codes
Coverage-related procedures and services
CPT 97034high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; CONTRAST BATHS, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97032high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (MANUAL), EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97026high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; INFRARED
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97033high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; IONTOPHORESIS, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97018high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; PARAFFIN BATH
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 97035high
APPLICATION OF A MODALITY TO 1 OR MORE AREAS; ULTRASOUND, EACH 15 MINUTES
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 266356006high
Atrophic (senile) emphysema
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 278976004high
Bulla of lung
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 266355005high
Bullous emphysema with collapse
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 195957006high
Chronic bullous emphysema
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 2912004high
Cystic-bullous disease of the lung
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1010333003high
Emphysema of left lung
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J43.9
Common synonyms
Emphysema, unspecifiedEmphysema
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.