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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR06

R06

Abnormalities of breathing

BILLABLE STATUSNo
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R06 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormalities of breathing.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 Level 1 Category code R06 pertains to abnormalities of breathing, which encompasses a range of conditions that affect the normal respiratory process. This category includes various symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), abnormal breathing patterns, and other respiratory irregularities. Clinically, these conditions can be indicative of underlying pathologies such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or heart failure, necessitating thorough evaluation and management. Proper coding of R06 is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of patient outcomes.

  • In clinical practice, the use of R06 codes allows healthcare providers to capture significant respiratory symptoms that may impact patient care and treatment strategies. Accurate coding is crucial for reimbursement purposes and for tracking healthcare trends related to respiratory health. Providers should be aware of the clinical significance of the symptoms coded under R06, as they can guide further diagnostic testing and interventions, ultimately improving patient management and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms covered
  • Potential underlying conditions
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Misuse of codes leading to denials
  • Failure to link symptoms to underlying conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pulmonology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related Codes

Child Codes

19 codes
R06.0
Dyspnea
R06.00
Dyspnea, unspecified
R06.01
Orthopnea
R06.02
Shortness of breath
R06.03
Acute respiratory distress
R06.09
Other forms of dyspnea
R06.1
Stridor
R06.2
Wheezing
R06.3
Periodic breathing
R06.4
Hyperventilation
R06.5
Mouth breathing
R06.6
Hiccough
R06.7
Sneezing
R06.8
Other abnormalities of breathing
R06.81
Apnea, not elsewhere classified
R06.82
Tachypnea, not elsewhere classified
R06.83
Snoring
R06.89
Other abnormalities of breathing
R06.9
Unspecified abnormalities of breathing

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical impact of the R06 code category is significant, as it encompasses a wide range of respiratory symptoms that can indicate serious health issues. Proper identification and coding of these symptoms can lead to timely interventions, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, tracking the prevalence of respiratory abnormalities through R06 coding can inform public health initiatives and resource allocation within healthcare systems.
From an administrative perspective, accurate coding of R06 can enhance data collection for quality measures related to respiratory health. This information is vital for healthcare organizations aiming to improve care quality and patient safety. Furthermore, as healthcare trends evolve, understanding the patterns of respiratory symptoms captured under R06 can guide research and policy decisions aimed at addressing respiratory diseases and improving population health.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical impact of the R06 code category is significant, as it encompasses a wide range of respiratory symptoms that can indicate serious health issues. Proper identification and coding of these symptoms can lead to timely interventions, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, tracking the prevalence of respiratory abnormalities through R06 coding can inform public health initiatives and resource allocation within healthcare systems. From an administrative perspective, accurate coding of R06 can enhance data collection for quality measures related to respiratory health. This information is vital for healthcare organizations aiming to improve care quality and patient safety. Furthermore, as healthcare trends evolve, understanding the patterns of respiratory symptoms captured under R06 can guide research and policy decisions aimed at addressing respiratory diseases and improving population health.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement from payers. It is also important to be aware of any specific payer policies regarding the use of R06 codes, as these can vary and may impact reimbursement rates. Regular audits of billing practices can help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with coding guidelines.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for R06

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for R06

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in R06?

Conditions included in R06 are primarily respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, tachypnea, and other abnormalities in breathing patterns. These symptoms may arise from various underlying conditions, including asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and cardiac issues.

When should I use R06 codes?

R06 codes should be used when a patient presents with symptoms related to abnormal breathing. It is important to document the specific nature of the symptoms and any relevant clinical findings to ensure accurate coding.

What documentation is required for R06?

Documentation for R06 should include a clear description of the patient's symptoms, any relevant medical history, and the results of any examinations or tests performed. This information is crucial for substantiating the use of the R06 codes.