Non-specific code 2015 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Code 491
Chronic bronchitis
  • 2015
  • Non-Billable Code

  • There are 5 ICD-9-CM codes below 491 that define this diagnosis in greater detail. Do not use this code on a reimbursement claim.
Clinical Information
  • A subcategory of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The disease is characterized by hypersecretion of mucus accompanied by a chronic (more than 3 months in 2 consecutive years) productive cough. Infectious agents are a major cause of chronic bronchitis
  • Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to your lungs. It causes a cough that often brings up mucus, as well as shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is one type of copd (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The inflamed bronchi produce a lot of mucus. This leads to cough and difficulty getting air in and out of the lungs. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. Breathing in other fumes and dusts over a long period of time may also cause chronic bronchitis. Treatment will help your symptoms, but chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that keeps coming back or never goes away completely
  • Condition characterized by persistent coughing, increased secretion from the bronchial mucosa, obstruction of the respiratory passages, scanty or profuse expectoration, and necrosis and fibrosis of the respiratory tract
491 Excludes
  • chronic obstructive asthma (493.2)
ICD-9-CM codes are used in medical billing and coding to describe diseases, injuries, symptoms and conditions. ICD-9-CM 491 is one of thousands of ICD-9-CM codes used in healthcare. Although ICD-9-CM and CPT codes are largely numeric, they differ in that CPT codes describe medical procedures and services. Can't find a code? Start at the root of ICD-9-CM, check the 2015 ICD-9-CM Index or use the search engine at the top of this page to lookup any code.