2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R06Abnormalities of breathing

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R00-R09›R06

ICD-10-CM R06
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

R06 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for abnormalities of breathing, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R06.00, R06.01, R06.02, and R06.03. As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R06
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Abnormalities of breathing
Short Description
Abnormalities of breathing
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
R00-R09
Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR00-R09Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems
CategoryR06Abnormalities of breathing
This CodeR06Abnormalities of breathing

Specific Coding for Abnormalities of breathingOverview

Non-specific codes like R06 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • R06.0 for Dyspnea

  • Use R06.00 for Dyspnea, unspecified

  • Use R06.01 for Orthopnea

  • Use R06.02 for Shortness of breath

  • Use R06.03 for Acute respiratory distress

  • Use R06.09 for Other forms of dyspnea

  • Use R06.1 for Stridor

  • Use R06.2 for Wheezing

  • Use R06.3 for Periodic breathing

  • Use R06.4 for Hyperventilation

  • Use R06.5 for Mouth breathing

  • Use R06.6 for Hiccough

  • Use R06.7 for Sneezing

  • R06.8 for Other abnormalities of breathing

  • Use R06.81 for Apnea, not elsewhere classified

  • Use R06.82 for Tachypnea, not elsewhere classified

  • Use R06.83 for Snoring

  • Use R06.89 for Other abnormalities of breathing

  • Use R06.9 for Unspecified abnormalities of breathing

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R06: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 18. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)
  • respiratory arrest (R09.2)
  • respiratory arrest of newborn (P28.81)
  • respiratory distress syndrome of newborn (P22.-)
  • respiratory failure (J96.-)
  • respiratory failure of newborn (P28.5)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • abnormal findings on antenatal screening of mother (O28.-)
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • signs and symptoms classified in the body system chapters
  • signs and symptoms of breast (N63, N64.5)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 18 (R00-R99) Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified applies to 774 codes
  • This chapter includes symptoms, signs, abnormal results of clinical or other investigative procedures, and ill-defined conditions regarding which no diagnosis classifiable elsewhere is recorded.
  • Signs and symptoms that point rather definitely to a given diagnosis have been assigned to a category in other chapters of the classification. In general, categories in this chapter include the less well-defined conditions and symptoms that, without the necessary study of the case to establish a final diagnosis, point perhaps equally to two or more diseases or to two or more systems of the body. Practically all categories in the chapter could be designated 'not otherwise specified', 'unknown etiology' or 'transient'. The Alphabetical Index should be consulted to determine which symptoms and signs are to be allocated here and which to other chapters. The residual subcategories, numbered .8, are generally provided for other relevant symptoms that cannot be allocated elsewhere in the classification.
  • The conditions and signs or symptoms included in categories R00-R94 consist of:
  • (a) cases for which no more specific diagnosis can be made even after all the facts bearing on the case have been investigated;
  • (b) signs or symptoms existing at the time of initial encounter that proved to be transient and whose causes could not be determined;
  • (c) provisional diagnosis in a patient who failed to return for further investigation or care;
  • (d) cases referred elsewhere for investigation or treatment before the diagnosis was made;
  • (e) cases in which a more precise diagnosis was not available for any other reason;
  • (f) certain symptoms, for which supplementary information is provided, that represent important problems in medical care in their own right.

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name R06, its category, or a range that includes it.

Code Also 1

These codes say R06 may also be needed to fully describe the condition. The note gives no sequencing direction.

  • E20.810 Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia
    respiratory distress (J80, R06.-)

Patient EducationClinical

Breathing Problems

When you're short of breath, it's hard or uncomfortable for you to take in the oxygen your body needs. You may feel as if you're not getting enough air. Sometimes you can have mild breathing problems because of a stuffy nose or intense exercise. But shortness of breath can also be a sign of a serious disease.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About R06Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for abnormalities of breathing?

R06 is the ICD-10-CM category for abnormalities of breathing, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is R06 (Abnormalities of breathing) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for abnormalities of breathing, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for abnormalities of breathing need a more specific code from this category, such as R06.00, R06.01, and R06.02.

Can R06 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the abnormalities of breathing is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.

Can R06 be reported with J80?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on R06 lists "acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).