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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR06.2

R06.2

Wheezing

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R06.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of wheezing.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing, typically during expiration, and is often associated with airway obstruction. It can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and allergic reactions. Wheezing occurs due to the narrowing of the airways, which can be caused by inflammation, bronchospasm, or the presence of foreign bodies. Clinically, wheezing is assessed through auscultation and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The severity and frequency of wheezing can vary significantly among patients and may indicate the need for further diagnostic evaluation, including pulmonary function tests or imaging studies. Understanding the context in which wheezing occurs is crucial for determining the appropriate management and treatment plan.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in underlying causes of wheezing
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and examination
  • Potential overlap with other respiratory conditions
  • Documentation of associated symptoms and triggers

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying cause of wheezing
  • Failure to specify acute vs. chronic wheezing
  • Misclassification of wheezing as a primary diagnosis without supporting evidence
  • Lack of correlation between symptoms and treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms of wheezing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic cough and wheezing, often requiring spirometry for diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbidities such as heart failure or GERD that may contribute to wheezing.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute care documentation must include vital signs, oxygen saturation, and immediate interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute asthma exacerbations or anaphylaxis presenting with wheezing.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of response to bronchodilator therapy.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R06.2 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding symptoms and signs, ensuring that wheezing is documented in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R06.2 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

94010CPT Code

Spirometry, including graphic record, interpretation, and report

Clinical Scenario

Used when assessing lung function in patients with wheezing.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the spirometry and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine may require more detailed interpretation compared to emergency settings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of wheezing, improving the ability to capture the complexity of respiratory conditions and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of wheezing, improving the ability to capture the complexity of respiratory conditions and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of wheezing, improving the ability to capture the complexity of respiratory conditions and their management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use R06.2?

Use R06.2 when documenting wheezing as a symptom, ensuring that the underlying cause is also documented if known.