2025 ICD-10-CM code R06.2
Wheezing, a whistling sound during breathing, often associated with airway narrowing.
Modifiers are not applicable to ICD-10-CM codes like R06.2. Modifiers are used with procedural codes, such as CPT codes.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of clinically significant wheezing and other related symptoms suggesting the need for evaluation and possible treatment of underlying respiratory conditions.Documentation supporting the clinical findings is crucial.
The clinical responsibility for R06.2 involves taking a detailed history, performing a physical exam focusing on respiratory assessment (auscultation, palpation), potentially ordering diagnostic tests (spirometry, chest X-ray, arterial blood gas analysis), and diagnosing the underlying cause of the wheezing.
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
- R00-R99
In simple words: Wheezing is a whistling sound when you breathe, often caused by narrowed airways in your lungs. It's a common symptom of lung problems like asthma and COPD.
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound heard during breathing, typically caused by narrowed airways. It is a common symptom of respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiolitis.The sound is produced by air being forced through constricted airways, resulting in turbulent airflow. Wheezing can vary in intensity and pitch, and its presence, along with other symptoms, helps clinicians diagnose underlying respiratory issues.It is crucial to differentiate wheezing from other respiratory sounds and to investigate its cause to provide appropriate medical care.
Example 1: A 5-year-old child presents to the emergency room with audible wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath after playing outside.The physician diagnoses acute bronchiolitis. R06.2 is coded along with the specific diagnosis. , A 70-year-old patient with a history of COPD reports increased wheezing and dyspnea.Physical examination confirms the findings, and spirometry shows an obstructive pattern.The physician codes R06.2 along with the COPD diagnosis., A 30-year-old asthmatic patient reports nocturnal wheezing and cough. The patient's peak flow readings are low, and auscultation reveals bilateral expiratory wheezes.The physician uses R06.2 in conjunction with the asthma diagnosis.
Detailed history of presenting symptoms, including onset, duration, severity, and any associated factors (e.g., exercise, allergens).Thorough physical examination, specifically respiratory assessment (breath sounds, respiratory rate, work of breathing).Diagnostic test results (if applicable): spirometry, peak flow, chest X-ray, arterial blood gas analysis.
** Always code the underlying cause of wheezing if known.R06.2 should be used only when the cause is uncertain after thorough investigation.Consider using additional codes to capture other associated symptoms or findings.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Pulmonology, Allergy & Immunology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Urgent Care Facility