Simple chronic bronchitis

This code represents a persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by a chronic productive cough for at least three months in two consecutive years, without other identifiable causes. It indicates a straightforward presentation of chronic bronchitis, lacking features of obstruction or exacerbation.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "simple chronic bronchitis" or "chronic bronchitis NOS" (not otherwise specified) without mention of airflow obstruction, bronchospasm, or acute exacerbation. It applies to patients experiencing the characteristic chronic cough and sputum production without evidence of emphysema or asthma.

• Do not use this code if the patient has any mention of obstruction (e.g., COPD, obstructive chronic bronchitis); instead, consider codes from the J44 category.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" to differentiate from acute bronchitis (J20.-).
• If an acute exacerbation is present, a separate code for the exacerbation would be necessary, and this code would still be reported for the underlying chronic condition.