2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R06.9Unspecified abnormalities of breathing

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R00-R09›R06

ICD-10-CM R06.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R06.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unspecified abnormalities of 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. Coders also document this condition as abnormal breathing. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Respiratory signs and symptoms.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R06.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Unspecified abnormalities of breathing
Short Description
Unspecified abnormalities of 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 CodeR06.9Unspecified abnormalities of breathing

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Abnormal breathing
  • Abnormal respiratory rate
  • Finding of respiratory rate
  • Respiratory alteration

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.

    • Abnormal, abnormality, abnormalities
      • breathing

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR SYM013
Respiratory signs and symptoms
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

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 R06.9 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
786.00 Respiratory abnorm NOS
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

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 R06.9Overview

Is R06.9 (Abnormalities of breathing) a billable code?

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

Can R06.9 be a principal diagnosis?

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

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

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, unspecified abnormalities of breathing converts to ICD-9-CM 786.00 (respiratory abnorm NOS). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

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.