2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R56Convulsions, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Codes›R00–R99›R50-R69›R56

ICD-10-CM R56
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

R56 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for convulsions, not elsewhere classified, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as R56.00, R56.01, R56.1, and R56.9. 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
R56
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Convulsions, not elsewhere classified
Chapter
R50-R69
General symptoms and signs

Code Classification

ChapterR00–R99Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified
SectionR50-R69General symptoms and signs
CategoryR56Convulsions, not elsewhere classified
This CodeR56Convulsions, not elsewhere classified

Specific Coding for Convulsions, not elsewhere classifiedOverview

Non-specific codes like R56 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • R56.0 for Febrile convulsions

  • Use R56.00 for Simple febrile convulsions

  • Use R56.01 for Complex febrile convulsions

  • Use R56.1 for Post traumatic seizures

  • Use R56.9 for Unspecified convulsions

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 1 Excludes

  • dissociative convulsions and seizures F44.5
  • epileptic convulsions and seizures G40
  • newborn convulsions and seizures P90

Patient EducationClinical

Seizures

Seizures are symptoms of a brain problem. They happen because of sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. When people think of seizures, they often think of convulsions in which a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. Not all seizures cause convulsions. There are many types of seizures and some have mild symptoms.

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 R56Overview

Is R56 (Convulsions, not elsewhere classified) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for convulsions, not elsewhere classified, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for convulsions, not elsewhere classified need a more specific code from this category, such as R56.00, R56.01, and R56.1.

Can R56 be a principal diagnosis?

Use it with care. This is a symptom code, so once a definitive diagnosis explaining the convulsions, not elsewhere classified is established, that condition takes the principal position instead.