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

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
Short Description
Convulsions, not elsewhere classified
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to R56: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 18. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

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

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 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

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

Questions About R56Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for convulsions, not elsewhere classified?

R56 is the ICD-10-CM category for convulsions, not elsewhere classified, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.

Can R56 be reported with F44.5?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on R56 lists "dissociative convulsions and seizures (F44.5)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).