2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R43.1Parosmia

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R40-R46›R43

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

R43.1 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for parosmia. 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 unpleasant perception of strong scent. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Nervous system signs and symptoms.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R43.1
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Parosmia
Short Description
Parosmia
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
R43
Disturbances of smell and taste

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 CodeR43.1Parosmia

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Abnormal unpleasant perception of strong scent
  • Disorder of smell
  • Parosmia
  • Sense of smell altered
  • Things smell different
  • Unusual smell in nose

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.

    • Disorder(of)
      • sense of smell
    • Disturbance(s)
      • olfactory nerve
    • Disturbance(s)
      • sensation (cold) (heat) (localization) (tactile discrimination) (texture) (vibratory) NEC
        • smell
          • parosmia
    • Hyperosmia
    • Parosmia

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR SYM010
Nervous system signs and symptoms
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Parosmia

    an olfactory disturbance where the sense of smell inaccurately conveys disagreeable sensations.

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.

Convert R43.1 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
781.1 Smell & taste disturb
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 R43.1Overview

Is R43.1 (Disturbances of smell and taste) a billable code?

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

Can R43.1 be a principal diagnosis?

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

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of R43.1?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, parosmia converts to ICD-9-CM 781.1 (smell & taste disturb). 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.