R06
Non-Billable

Abnormalities of breathing

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Abnormalities of breathing?

ICD-10-CM R06 is the diagnosis code for Abnormalities of breathing. 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

Coding Guidelines for R06

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as R06. They are mutually exclusive:

  • acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)
  • respiratory arrest (R09.2)
  • respiratory arrest of newborn (P28.81)
  • respiratory distress syndrome of newborn (P22.-)
  • respiratory failure (J96.-)
  • respiratory failure of newborn (P28.5)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where R06 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 10 entries
R06.0DyspneaNon-BillableR06.00Dyspnea, unspecifiedBillableR06.01OrthopneaBillableR06.02Shortness of breathBillableR06.03Acute respiratory distressBillableR06.09Other forms of dyspneaBillableR06.1StridorBillableR06.2WheezingBillableR06.3Periodic breathingBillableR06.4HyperventilationBillableR06.5Mouth breathingBillableR06.6HiccoughBillableR06.7SneezingBillableR06.8Other abnormalities of breathingNon-BillableR06.81Apnea, not elsewhere classifiedBillableR06.82Tachypnea, not elsewhere classifiedBillableR06.83SnoringBillableR06.89Other abnormalities of breathingBillableR06.9Unspecified abnormalities of breathingBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R06 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, R06 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does R06 mean?

R06 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Abnormalities of breathing". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What section is R06 in?

R06 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 R06?

R06 has 10 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: R06.0, R06.1, R06.2, R06.3, R06.4 and more.

When should I use R06?

Use R06 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Abnormalities of breathing" 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 Abnormalities of breathing?

The ICD-10-CM code for Abnormalities of breathing is R06.

Can R06 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, R06 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is R06 in?

R06 is in Chapter 18 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from R06?

Type 1 Excludes for R06 include: acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80); respiratory arrest (R09.2); respiratory arrest of newborn (P28.81) and more.

Is R06 valid for 2026?

Yes, R06 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousR05.9Cough, unspecifiedNext →R06.0Dyspnea
Code Details
R06
Abnormalities of breathing
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