ICD10BillableValid for clinical use
ICD-10 Code J96.10: Chronic respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia
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 chronic respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapnia 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
J96-J99Other diseases of the respiratory system
category
J96Respiratory failure, not elsewhere classified
category
J96.1Chronic respiratory failure
currentJ96.1
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 94621high
CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING, INCLUDING MEASUREMENTS OF MINUTE VENTILATION, CO2 PRODUCTION, O2 UPTAKE, AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC RECORDINGS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94761high
NONINVASIVE EAR OR PULSE OXIMETRY FOR OXYGEN SATURATION; MULTIPLE DETERMINATIONS (EG, DURING EXERCISE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94760high
NONINVASIVE EAR OR PULSE OXIMETRY FOR OXYGEN SATURATION; SINGLE DETERMINATION
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94642high
AEROSOL INHALATION OF PENTAMIDINE FOR PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA TREATMENT OR PROPHYLAXIS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94728high
AIRWAY RESISTANCE BY OSCILLOMETRY
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 94450high
BREATHING RESPONSE TO HYPOXIA (HYPOXIA RESPONSE CURVE)
Source: CMS coverage guidance
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 428173007high
Chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 10672271000119100high
Acute on chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 20091000175107high
Acute on chronic hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy and official ICD code match exactly.
Legacy codes
J96.10
Common synonyms
Chronic respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia or hypercapniaChronic respiratory failure
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.