2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R06Abnormalities of breathing

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R00-R09›R06

ICD-10-CM R06
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

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

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

  • 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

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 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About R06Overview

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.