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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR06.89

R06.89

Other abnormalities of breathing

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R06.89 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other abnormalities of breathing.

Key Diagnostic Point:

R06.89 encompasses a variety of breathing abnormalities that do not fit neatly into other specific categories. This includes symptoms such as abnormal respiratory patterns, irregular breathing rhythms, and atypical respiratory sounds that may not be classified under more specific codes. Common presentations include Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul breathing, and other forms of abnormal ventilation that can arise from various underlying conditions. These abnormalities can indicate serious health issues, including metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, or respiratory diseases. Clinicians must assess the patient's history, perform a thorough physical examination, and may utilize diagnostic tests such as pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, or blood gas analyses to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal breathing pattern. Accurate documentation of the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, and any relevant diagnostic results is essential for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Overlap with other respiratory codes
  • Need for detailed clinical documentation
  • Potential for misclassification of symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of clarity in clinical notes regarding the nature of the abnormality

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and results from any diagnostic tests performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained shortness of breath, abnormal lung sounds, or changes in respiratory rate.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly describes the nature of the breathing abnormality and any associated symptoms.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment findings, vital signs, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute respiratory distress, altered mental status with abnormal breathing patterns, or trauma cases with respiratory implications.

Billing Considerations

Rapid documentation is crucial; ensure that all findings are recorded promptly to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R06.89 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the abnormality of breathing is not classified elsewhere
  • Document the specific nature of the abnormality and any relevant clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R06.89 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

94010CPT Code

Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity

Clinical Scenario

Used when assessing patients with abnormal breathing patterns.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for spirometry and the results.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the spirometry results correlate with the clinical findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of respiratory abnormalities, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and manage respiratory conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of respiratory abnormalities, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and manage respiratory conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of respiratory abnormalities, improving the granularity of data collection and enhancing the ability to track and manage respiratory conditions.

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 R06.89?

Use R06.89 when a patient presents with an abnormality of breathing that does not fit into a more specific category. Ensure that the documentation clearly describes the nature of the abnormality and any associated symptoms.