2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R43.9Unspecified disturbances of smell and taste

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R40-R46›R43

ICD-10-CM R43.9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R43.9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unspecified disturbances of smell and taste. 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 primary taste disorder. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Nervous system signs and symptoms.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
R43.9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Unspecified disturbances of smell and taste
Short Description
Unspecified disturbances of smell and taste
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 CodeR43.9Unspecified disturbances of smell and taste

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Primary taste disorder
  • Problem of sense of smell
  • Radiation induced taste impairment
  • Secondary taste disorder
  • Sense of smell impaired
  • Sensory disorder of smell and/or taste

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.

    • Disturbance(s)
      • sensation (cold) (heat) (localization) (tactile discrimination) (texture) (vibratory) NEC
        • smell
    • Disturbance(s)
      • sensation (cold) (heat) (localization) (tactile discrimination) (texture) (vibratory) NEC
        • taste

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

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 R43.9 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.
ICD-9-CM
V41.5 Smell and taste problem
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 R43.9Overview

Is R43.9 (Disturbances of smell and taste) a billable code?

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

Can R43.9 be a principal diagnosis?

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

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

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, unspecified disturbances of smell and taste converts to ICD-9-CM 781.1 (smell & taste disturb) and V41.5 (smell and taste problem). 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.