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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR44

R44

Other symptoms and signs involving general sensations and perceptions

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

Code Description

ICD-10 R44 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other symptoms and signs involving general sensations and perceptions.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code R44 encompasses a variety of symptoms and signs that relate to general sensations and perceptions that do not fit neatly into other diagnostic categories. This may include symptoms such as altered perception of reality, abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness, and other nonspecific sensory complaints. These symptoms can arise from a multitude of underlying conditions, including neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, metabolic imbalances, or even side effects from medications. Accurate diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed patient history and physical examination, as well as potentially relevant laboratory tests to rule out organic causes. Given the broad nature of this code, it is essential for healthcare providers to document the specific symptoms experienced by the patient, their duration, and any associated factors to ensure appropriate coding and billing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of symptoms encompassed under the code
  • Need for thorough documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other codes, leading to confusion
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of symptoms leading to potential denials
  • Misuse of the code for more specific conditions
  • Inadequate differentiation from similar codes
  • Failure to document the clinical rationale for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, including onset, duration, and associated symptoms; physical examination findings; and any relevant lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with nonspecific sensory complaints, such as tingling in extremities or altered perception.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of comorbid conditions that may contribute to symptoms, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute assessment of symptoms, including vital signs, neurological examination, and immediate lab tests if indicated.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute onset of altered sensations or perceptions, possibly indicating a stroke or other urgent condition.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation are critical to ensure timely intervention and appropriate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R44 When
  • Coders should ensure that the symptoms are not better classified under more specific codes
  • Documentation must clearly outline the symptoms, their duration, and any relevant clinical findings to support the use of R44

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R44 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related Codes

Child Codes

6 codes
R44.0
Auditory hallucinations
R44.1
Visual hallucinations
R44.2
Other hallucinations
R44.3
Hallucinations, unspecified
R44.8
Other symptoms and signs involving general sensations and perceptions
R44.9
Unspecified symptoms and signs involving general sensations and perceptions

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with nonspecific sensory complaints requiring evaluation.

Documentation Requirements

Document the history, examination findings, and medical decision-making.

Specialty Considerations

Internal medicine providers should ensure comprehensive documentation to support the visit level.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of symptoms, enabling better tracking of nonspecific sensory complaints and their management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of symptoms, enabling better tracking of nonspecific sensory complaints and their management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more granular coding of symptoms, enabling better tracking of nonspecific sensory complaints 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

What types of symptoms are included under R44?

R44 includes a variety of nonspecific symptoms related to general sensations and perceptions, such as altered perception, abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness, and other sensory complaints that do not fit into more specific categories.