2027 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 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R43: its own notes plus those printed at block R40-R46 and Chapter 18. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

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 Block R40-R46 Symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state and behavior applies to 157 codes
  • symptoms and signs constituting part of a pattern of mental disorder (F01-F99)
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.

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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About R43Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for disturbances of smell and taste?

R43 is the ICD-10-CM category for disturbances of smell and taste, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.