2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R06.3Periodic breathing

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R00-R09›R06

ICD-10-CM R06.3
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R06.3 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for periodic breathing. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). As a symptom code, it should not be used as a principal diagnosis once a related definitive diagnosis has been established. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Respiratory signs and symptoms and Sleep wake disorders.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R06.3
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Periodic breathing
Short Description
Periodic breathing
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R06
Abnormalities of breathing

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 CodeR06.3Periodic breathing

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Central sleep apnea co-occurrent with Cheyne Stokes respiration
  • Central sleep apnea due to periodic breathing
  • Cheyne-Stokes respiration
  • Interrupted breathing
  • Respiration intermittent

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Inclusion Terms

  • Cheyne-Stokes breathing

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Breathing
      • periodic
    • Cheyne-Stokes breathing(respiration)
    • Respiration
      • Cheyne-Stokes

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SYM013
Respiratory signs and symptoms
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient No · outpatient No
CCSR NVS016
Sleep wake disorders
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Central Sleep Apnea Syndrome

    a broad classification of disorders which includes 6 subtypes (primary central sleep apnea, central sleep apnea due to cheyne-stokes breathing pattern, central sleep apnea due to medical condition not cheyne-stokes, central sleep apnea due to high-altitude periodic breathing, central sleep apnea due to drug or substance and primary sleep apnea of infancy) that are each characterized by interruptions in breathing while asleep. it is caused by improper signaling from the brainstem to respiratory muscles and is triggered by either hypoventilation or hyperventilation. in adults, this disorder may arise following a stroke, congestive heart failure, trauma, infection or the use of narcotic medications. it is more common in older males and may present as a co-morbid condition to obesity. clinical signs include snoring, insomnia or hypersomnia, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. recurrent episodes of hypoxia/hypoxemia have long-term detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.

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.

Convert R06.3 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
786.04 Cheyne-stokes respiratn
Exact Match The mapping is direct, with no qualifiers.

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 R06.3Overview

Is R06.3 (Abnormalities of breathing) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report periodic breathing on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Can R06.3 be a principal diagnosis?

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

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R06.3?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, periodic breathing converts to ICD-9-CM 786.04 (cheyne-stokes respiratn). The mapping is a direct match.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.