2025 ICD-10-CM code J41.8
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Respiratory System Diseases - Chronic lower respiratory diseases Chapter 10: Diseases of the respiratory system Feed
Mixed simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis.
Modifiers may be applicable based on the specific circumstances of service delivery (e.g., different sites of service, different providers). Consult the latest Medicare guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for diagnostic and treatment services is established when there is clinical evidence of chronic bronchitis, including a history of persistent cough and sputum production, consistent with the clinical presentation.Severity of symptoms and functional impairment should be documented to support the medical necessity of any therapeutic interventions.
The clinical responsibility for this diagnosis includes evaluation of respiratory symptoms (cough, sputum production, dyspnea), physical examination (auscultation of lungs), and potentially spirometry and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. Treatment may involve bronchodilators, mucolytics, antibiotics (if infection is present), smoking cessation counseling, and management of comorbidities.
In simple words: This code describes a long-term lung condition involving inflammation and infection of the airways, producing both inflammation and mucus and pus.
J41.8, Mixed simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis, is an ICD-10-CM code that classifies a chronic respiratory condition characterized by a combination of simple (primarily inflammatory) and mucopurulent (producing mucus and pus) bronchitis.This code indicates the presence of both inflammatory and infectious components in the chronic bronchitis.
Example 1: A 60-year-old male with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents with chronic cough, increased sputum production (occasionally purulent), and shortness of breath on exertion. Spirometry reveals evidence of airflow limitation. Chest X-ray is unremarkable., A 72-year-old female with a history of COPD and frequent respiratory infections presents with worsening cough, increased sputum volume with yellowish discoloration, and shortness of breath.Pulmonary function testing confirms chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with significant airflow limitation., A 55-year-old former smoker presents with a persistent cough productive of mucopurulent sputum for the past 6 months.He denies significant shortness of breath.Physical exam reveals rhonchi and wheezes on auscultation.Further investigation is needed to rule out other causes of chronic cough.
Detailed history of respiratory symptoms (onset, duration, character of cough and sputum), smoking history,exposure to environmental irritants, past medical history including previous respiratory illnesses, physical examination findings (auscultation, vital signs), pulmonary function tests (spirometry), imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT scan if indicated), and laboratory tests (sputum culture if purulent sputum is present).
** This code is used for chronic bronchitis cases where both simple and mucopurulent components are present.Careful clinical judgment is needed to differentiate this code from other chronic bronchitis codes (J41.0, J41.1, J42) and related respiratory conditions.Always ensure proper documentation to justify the code selection and support medical necessity.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Other Place of Service