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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR43

R43

Disturbances of smell and taste

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R43 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of disturbances of smell and taste.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 Level 1 Category code R43 encompasses disturbances of smell and taste, which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. This category includes conditions such as anosmia (loss of smell), hyposmia (reduced smell), ageusia (loss of taste), and dysgeusia (distorted taste). These disturbances can arise from various underlying causes, including viral infections, neurological disorders, and certain medications. Clinicians should be aware that these symptoms may also be indicative of more serious health issues, such as head trauma or neurological diseases, necessitating thorough evaluation and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes
  • Potential for misdiagnosis
  • Need for comprehensive evaluation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation
  • Misuse of codes
  • Failure to specify the type of disturbance

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

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

Neurology

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

5 codes
R43.0
Anosmia
R43.1
Parosmia
R43.2
Parageusia
R43.8
Other disturbances of smell and taste
R43.9
Unspecified disturbances of smell and taste

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 and administrative impact of the R43 code category is significant, as disturbances of smell and taste can lead to nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence of these disturbances can inform public health initiatives and research. Additionally, accurate coding and documentation can improve quality measures and facilitate better healthcare outcomes by ensuring that patients receive appropriate interventions and follow-up care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical and administrative impact of the R43 code category is significant, as disturbances of smell and taste can lead to nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. From a population health perspective, understanding the prevalence of these disturbances can inform public health initiatives and research. Additionally, accurate coding and documentation can improve quality measures and facilitate better healthcare outcomes by ensuring that patients receive appropriate interventions and follow-up care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement may vary based on the underlying cause of the symptoms and the complexity of the diagnostic workup. It is essential to utilize appropriate CPT codes in conjunction with R43 to reflect the services provided accurately.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for R43

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    Official ICD-10 Guidelines for R43

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions are included in R43?

R43 includes conditions such as anosmia, hyposmia, ageusia, and dysgeusia, which are characterized by disturbances in the senses of smell and taste.

When should I use R43 codes?

R43 codes should be used when a patient presents with symptoms related to smell or taste disturbances, particularly when these symptoms are not attributable to other specific conditions.

What documentation is required for R43?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical history, the patient's reported symptoms, any relevant diagnostic tests performed, and the clinical rationale for the diagnosis.