2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R43Disturbances of smell and taste

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R40-R46›R43

ICD-10-CM R43
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R43 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for disturbances of smell and taste, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R43.0, R43.1, R43.2, and R43.8. 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
R43
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Disturbances of smell and taste
Short Description
Disturbances of smell and taste
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
R40-R46
Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR40-R46Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior
CategoryR43Disturbances of smell and taste
This CodeR43Disturbances of smell and taste

Specific Coding for Disturbances of smell and tasteOverview

Non-specific codes like R43 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use R43.0 for Anosmia

  • Use R43.1 for Parosmia

  • Use R43.2 for Parageusia

  • Use R43.8 for Other disturbances of smell and taste

  • Use R43.9 for Unspecified disturbances of smell and taste

Patient EducationClinical

Taste and Smell Disorders

Our senses of taste and smell give us great pleasure. Taste helps us enjoy food and beverages. Smell lets us enjoy the scents and fragrances like roses or coffee. Taste and smell also protect us, letting us know when food has gone bad or when there is a gas leak. They make us want to eat, ensuring we get the nutrition we need.

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 R43Overview

Is R43 (Disturbances of smell and taste) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for disturbances of smell and taste, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for disturbances of smell and taste need a more specific code from this category, such as R43.0, R43.1, and R43.2.

Can R43 be a principal diagnosis?

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