Hypoxia ICD-10-CM Codes

What hypoxia ICD-10-CM Codes can I use?

Hypoxia refers to low oxygen levels in tissues, while hypoxemia refers to low oxygen levels in the blood. Hypoxia can indeed be caused by hypoxemia. This distinction remains valid and clinically important in 2025.

While there are no specific hypoxia ICD codes, there is a specific, billable ICD-10-CM code for hypoxemia: R09.02—Hypoxemia, which will be valid for reimbursement purposes in 2025. Although no standalone code is solely for "hypoxia," it is frequently documented through related circulatory and respiratory system conditions or abnormal clinical findings.

Common ICD-10 codes for hypoxia and related conditions

These codes fall under various chapters, particularly related to the respiratory system, acute and chronic respiratory conditions, and systemic symptoms involving signs and laboratory findings:

• R09.02 – Hypoxemia (specific and billable for low blood oxygen)
• I27.23 – Pulmonary hypertension due to lung diseases and hypoxia
• J96.01 – Acute respiratory failure with hypoxia
• J96.11 – Chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia
• J96.91 – Respiratory failure, unspecified whether with hypoxia
• G47.30 – Sleep apnea, unspecified (valid; more specific options exist)
• H18.899 – Other specified disorders of cornea, unspecified eye (used for corneal hypoxia)
• P84.0–P84.9 – Newborn disorders including neonatal hypoxia and hypoxemia (for pediatric documentation)

These codes can also encompass hypoxia and hypercapnia combinations, especially under the J96 category, where providers must specify the presence of carbon dioxide retention when applicable.

Are these hypoxia ICD codes billable?

Yes—all listed ICD-10 codes, including R09.02 for hypoxemia, are valid and billable in 2025. When coding, be mindful of specificity: whether the condition is acute or chronic, with or without hypercapnia, and if hypoxia is unspecified or part of other symptoms.

Clinical information about hypoxia

Hypoxia occurs when tissues receive insufficient oxygen, often due to hypoxemia. This oxygen deficit disrupts the normal function of organs and tissues, particularly those in the circulatory and respiratory systems. Clinical evaluation typically includes checking for signs involving abnormal breathing patterns, laboratory findings such as low arterial oxygen pressure, and other problems like altered mental status.

Common causes of hypoxemia—and by extension, hypoxia—include conditions such as:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Anemia
• Heart failure

These affect oxygen intake, delivery, or absorption in the lungs and tissues.

When tissues don’t receive enough oxygen, the body tries to compensate, resulting in noticeable signs and symptoms:

• Elevated heart rate (tachycardia)
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Shortness of breath or labored breathing
• Headaches and fatigue
• Restlessness or anxiety

In extreme cases, patients may exhibit a slower heart rate, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), or loss of consciousness. These serious clinical signs require immediate intervention, often involving oxygen therapy and treatment of the underlying condition.

Synonyms include:

• Pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease and/or hypoxia
• Hypoxemic respiratory failure
• Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
• Acute respiratory failure
• Chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure
• Chronic respiratory failure
• Corneal hypoxia
• Brain damage due to hypoxia
• Intrauterine hypoxia
• Fetal hypoxia
• Subdural hemorrhage due to intrapartum anoxia and/or hypoxia