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ICD-10 Coding for Dyspnea with Exertion(R06.02)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Dyspnea with Exertion. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Exertional DyspneaShortness of Breath on Exertion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Dyspnea with Exertion

R06.00-R06.09Primary Range

Abnormalities of breathing

This range includes codes for various types of dyspnea, including exertional dyspnea.

Heart failure

Heart failure can cause dyspnea with exertion, and these codes may be primary if heart failure is the underlying cause.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD can present with exertional dyspnea, and these codes are used when COPD is the primary condition.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for dyspnea with exertion

Essential facts and insights about Dyspnea with Exertion

The ICD-10 code for dyspnea with exertion is R06.02, used when dyspnea occurs specifically during exertion without other primary conditions.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for dyspnea with exertion

Shortness of breath
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of dyspnea specifically during exertion without acute respiratory conditions

coding Criteria

  • Excludes acute respiratory failure and ARDS

Applicable To

  • Exertional dyspnea

Excludes

  • Respiratory failure (J96.-)
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented exertion level causing dyspnea
  • Exclusion of acute respiratory conditions

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misuse as a catch-all for any dyspnea without proper documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies exertion level and excludes acute conditions.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use when heart failure is confirmed as the underlying cause of dyspnea.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Acute respiratory distress

R06.03
Use R06.03 for acute respiratory distress with PaO2/FiO2 ≤300 and bilateral infiltrates.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Dyspnea with Exertion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R06.02.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate assessment of patient condition, Regulatory: Potential for audit issues, Financial: Risk of claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific descriptors for exertion levels, Document any related test results

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with Excludes1 notes., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use J80 for ARDS instead of R06.02.

Impact

Risk of coding R06.02 with excluded conditions like ARDS.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular training on Excludes1 notes and coding guidelines.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Dyspnea with Exertion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Dyspnea with Exertion

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Dyspnea with Exertion. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Cardiology Clinic Visit

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Exertion level causing dyspnea
  • Relevant test results (e.g., BNP, Echo)

Example Documentation

Patient reports dyspnea after climbing one flight of stairs. BNP 450 pg/mL. Echo shows EF 55%.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has trouble breathing.
Good Documentation Example
Patient experiences dyspnea after walking 20 feet on level ground.
Explanation
The good example specifies the exertion level, which is necessary for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Dyspnea with Exertion? Ask your questions below.

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