R05
Non-Billable

Cough

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Cough?

ICD-10-CM R05 is the diagnosis code for Cough. This code falls under the section "Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems" within Chapter 18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

⛔ Excludes1
â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for R05

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as R05. They are mutually exclusive:

  • paroxysmal cough due to Bordetella pertussis (A37.0-)
  • smoker's cough (J41.0)

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in R05. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

  • cough with hemorrhage (R04.2)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where R05 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 6 entries
R05.1Acute coughBillableR05.2Subacute coughBillableR05.3Chronic coughBillableR05.4Cough syncopeBillableR05.8Other specified coughBillableR05.9Cough, unspecifiedBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R05 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, R05 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does R05 mean?

R05 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Cough". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is R05 in?

R05 is located in Section R00-R09 — "Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems" within Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of R05?

R05 has 6 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: R05.1, R05.2, R05.3, R05.4, R05.8 and more.

When should I use R05?

Use R05 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Cough" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Cough?

The ICD-10-CM code for Cough is R05.

Can R05 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, R05 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is R05 in?

R05 is in Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from R05?

Type 1 Excludes for R05 include: paroxysmal cough due to Bordetella pertussis (A37.0-); smoker's cough (J41.0).

Is R05 valid for 2026?

Yes, R05 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousR04.9Hemorrhage from respiratory passages, unspecifiedNext →R05.1Acute cough
Code Details
R05
Cough
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
18 — Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R99)
R00-R09 — Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems
2026 ICD-10-CM