What does ICD-10-CM code J44.1 mean?
J44.1 represents Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation. This respiratory condition falls under Chapter 10 (Diseases of the Respiratory System) and is frequently encountered across all healthcare settings. Coders frequently reference this code as acute copd exacerbation icd 10 or acute copd exacerbation.
Code category and hierarchy
- Chapter: 10 – Diseases of the Respiratory System (J00-J99)
- Category: J44
- Code: J44.1 – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation
Guideline notes and coding considerations
Important Guideline Note
Assign J44.1 only when documentation clearly supports this diagnosis. Review the excludes notes and ensure no conflicts with other assigned codes.
- Specificity: Assign J44.1 only when documentation supports this specific diagnosis.
Learn the underlying rules in the ICD-10 Coding Guidelines, Code First Rules, Risk Adjustment & MEAT Documentation.
Documentation tips (what coders should confirm)
- Verify the clinical documentation supports the use of J44.1
- This is a risk-adjusted diagnosis — ensure annual documentation with MEAT criteria (Monitor, Evaluate, Assess/Address, Treat)
Validate J44.1 Against ICD 10 CM Coding Guidelines
Check this code against official guidelines for conflicts and compliance issues.
Risk adjustment and HCC mapping
HCC Impact
J44.1 (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation) maps to the following HCC categories: CMS-HCC V24: HCC 111, CMS-HCC V28: HCC 280, RxHCC V08: HCC 229, ESRD V24: HCC 111. Proper documentation using MEAT criteria (Monitor, Evaluate, Assess/Address, Treat) is required for each encounter to support risk-adjusted diagnoses.
Learn more about risk adjustment documentation in our Risk Adjustment & MEAT Documentation Guide.
Related ICD-10 codes
Frequently Asked Questions
The ICD-10-CM code for acute copd exacerbation is J44.1, which represents chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation. This code is also commonly referenced as acute copd exacerbation. Verify this code using the ICD Code Auditor to ensure guideline compliance.
Yes. J44.1 is an active ICD-10-CM diagnosis code used to classify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation for clinical documentation, reporting, and medical billing purposes.
Use the ICD Code Auditor to check J44.1 against official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines. The tool validates by fiscal year and patient gender to identify potential conflicts.
Yes. J44.1 maps to HCC 111 in the CMS-HCC V24 model, and HCC 280 in V28. Accurate coding of this condition directly impacts RAF scores for Medicare Advantage plans. Ensure documentation demonstrates the condition was evaluated and managed during the encounter.
Documentation should clearly describe the clinical condition represented by J44.1 (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) exacerbation). Include relevant clinical findings, diagnostic test results, provider assessment, and the treatment plan. The diagnosis must be supported by the medical record and not based solely on lab results without clinical interpretation.
Sources
Reviewed by: Certified ICD-10 Coding & Risk Adjustment Specialist
Learn more about our Clinical Coding Review Process