2025 ICD-10-CM code R06.89
Other abnormalities of breathing.
Medical necessity for the use of R06.89 is established by the presence of an observable breathing abnormality that cannot be classified with a more specific code. The documentation should support the need for investigation or management of the symptom.
Clinicians use this code to document observed breathing abnormalities when a more specific diagnosis is not yet determined or when the symptoms are transient.It is crucial to differentiate R06.89 from more serious conditions like respiratory arrest or failure, and further investigation may be required.
- R: Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
- R00-R09: Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems
In simple words: This code represents other breathing problems that aren't specifically categorized, such as holding your breath or sighing a lot.
This code encompasses various breathing irregularities not classified elsewhere, including breath-holding spells and sighing.
Example 1: A 2-year-old child experiences breath-holding spells during tantrums but is otherwise healthy.The pediatrician documents this with R06.89., An adult patient presents with frequent sighing, which is determined to be related to anxiety. In the absence of other respiratory findings, R06.89 is used., A patient exhibits unusual breathing patterns during a sleep study.While awaiting further test results to determine the underlying cause, the physician provisionally uses R06.89.
Thorough documentation of the specific breathing abnormality observed, associated symptoms, and any diagnostic testing performed or planned is essential for accurate coding.
- Specialties:Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pulmonology, Sleep medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, Emergency Room - Hospital