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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAbnormal Lung Sounds

Abnormal Lung Sounds

ICD-10 Coding for Abnormal Lung Sounds(R06.89, R06.2)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYPulmonology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Abnormal Lung Sounds?
Essential facts and insights about Abnormal Lung Sounds

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Presence of abnormal breath sounds such as wheezing, crackles, stridor, or pleural rub
  • Physical examination findings confirming abnormal lung sounds
  • Patient complaints of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Use of accessory muscles in breathing

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Detailed description of the abnormal lung sounds, including type and location
  • Associated symptoms such as cough, chest pain, or fever
  • Patient's medical history, especially related to respiratory diseases
  • Results of diagnostic tests like chest X-ray, CT scan, or spirometry

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • R06.89 is used for other abnormal breath sounds, not classified elsewhere
  • R06.2 refers specifically to wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Stridor in newborn (P28.89)
  • Congenital stridor (Q31.4)

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
R06.89
Other abnormal breath sounds
R06.2
Wheezing
Ancillary Codes
J96.01
Differential Codes
R06.2
R06.2
for wheezing sounds, which are high-pitched and musical.
R06.89
R06.89
for non-wheezing abnormal lung sounds.

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Pulmonology

Specialty Applications

  • Patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or pneumonia
  • Scenarios involving respiratory distress or acute respiratory failure

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Patient presents with [description of abnormal lung sounds] in the [location].

Template 2

Physical examination reveals [type of abnormal lung sound] associated with [symptoms].

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these codes be used for patients with COVID-19?

Yes, if the patient exhibits abnormal lung sounds, these codes can be used in addition to the specific code for COVID-19 (U07.1).

When should this code be used?

These codes should be used when a patient exhibits abnormal lung sounds as confirmed by physical examination or patient's symptoms.