Shortness of Breath ICD-10-CM Codes | 2025

What ICD-10 codes are used for shortness of breath? 

Accurately documenting patient symptoms is crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, and billing. For practitioners dealing with patients experiencing shortness of breath, the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) provides a comprehensive list of codes. Here's a more detailed look at some commonly used codes:

• R06.02 - Shortness of breath: This is the primary code for general dyspnea conditions. It covers instances where patients report difficulty breathing, regardless of the underlying cause or severity. However, this should be used alongside or after identifying an underlying cause when possible.
• R06.00 - Dyspnea, unspecified: This code is used when a patient experiences shortness of breath, but no specific cause or type has been identified yet. It allows for broad classification until a further diagnosis can be made.
• R06.01 - Orthopnea: Orthopnea is a specific form of dyspnea that occurs when a patient is lying flat, making it difficult to breathe. If patients describe such symptoms, this is the appropriate code to use.
• R06.03 - Acute respiratory distress: This code is used for severe and sudden shortness of breath, often indicative of life-threatening conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It should be used when immediate medical attention is required.
• R06.09 - Other forms of dyspnea: This code covers other specific types of dyspnea that do not have their unique codes. Examples may include paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or exercise-induced dyspnea.
• R06.81 - Apnea, not elsewhere classified: This code is used for conditions characterized by temporary cessation of breathing, including sleep apnea. It's essential to monitor these patients closely due to the potential risk of hypoxia or other complications.
• R06.82 - Tachypnea, not elsewhere classified: Tachypnea, an abnormally rapid breathing rate, is coded under R06.82. This could respond to hypoxia, fever, or other physiological stress.
• R06.83 - Snoring: While snoring might not be seen as a traditional form of dyspnea, it can indicate problems with airflow and should not be overlooked. This code can be used when patients report snoring issues.

Each code plays a crucial role in patient care and medical billing. They help ensure that healthcare providers accurately document patient symptoms, which aids in forming a correct diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Additionally, these codes facilitate accurate billing and reimbursement for services rendered.

For a deeper understanding of Shortness of Breath ICD codes, consult the official ICD-10-CM guidelines or a certified medical coder.

Consider watching this comprehensive explainer video to better understand how these codes are used in a clinical setting.

Which shortness of breath ICD codes are billable?

All of the aforementioned shortness of breath ICD codes are valid and billable.

Clinical information

• The R06.02 code covers general dyspnea, where patients have difficulty breathing or feel winded.
• For cases where dyspnea is present but not yet specified, the R06.00 code is used, allowing for further diagnostic investigation.
• Orthopnea, a form of dyspnea that worsens when lying flat, is coded as R06.01. Patients often use multiple pillows or recliners to sleep comfortably.
• When shortness of breath is severe and sudden, indicating conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the R06.03 code is used. This can be accompanied by rapid breathing and heart rate, sweating, and anxiety.
• Other specific types of dyspnea that lack unique codes, like paroxysmal nocturnal or exertional dyspnea, fall under the R06.09 code.
• Temporary cessation of breathing conditions, including sleep apnea, are coded as R06.81. Symptoms might include loud snoring, abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking, and daytime sleepiness.
• Tachypnea, characterized by abnormally rapid breathing, is coded as R06.82. It often responds to hypoxia, fever, or other physiological stresses.
• Snoring, which can indicate airflow problems and potentially link to conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, is coded as R06.83. Symptoms may include loud and chronic snoring, cessation of breathing during sleep, and abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath.

Synonyms include

• Breathlessness
• Dyspnea
• Panting
• Respiratory distress
• Gasping for air
• Shortness of breath due to respiratory arrest
• Shortness of breath due to respiratory failure
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath
• Labored breathing
• Abnormal clinical findings with shortness of breath as a symptom
• Laboratory findings showing shortness of breath as a symptom
• Breathing discomfort
• Shortness of breath due to respiratory systems problems

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