J20.8

What This Code Means

This code describes a sudden inflammation of the airways in the lungs caused by organisms other than the common viral or bacterial pathogens typically listed separately. It's used when the specific causative organism is documented but doesn't fit into the more common bronchitis categories.

Coding Tips

• •Always verify that the causative organism is documented in the medical record before assigning this code; if the organism is not specified, use J20.9 (unspecified acute bronchitis) instead
• •This code requires documentation of the specific organism causing the bronchitis; common organisms like influenza, RSV, or rhinovirus have their own specific codes and should not be coded to J20.8