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ICD-10 Coding for Hiccups(R06.6, F45.8)

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

Also known as:

HiccoughChronic HiccupPersistent Hiccup

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hiccups

R06.6Primary Range

Abnormalities of breathing

This range includes codes for hiccups not specified as psychogenic or due to another underlying condition.

Other somatoform disorders

This range is used for psychogenic hiccups, where the cause is psychological rather than physiological.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
R06.6HiccoughUse when hiccups are idiopathic or persistent without a known psychological cause.
  • Duration >48 hours
  • No response to conservative measures
F45.8Other somatoform disordersUse when hiccups are determined to be psychogenic.
  • Behavioral triggers identified
  • Normal imaging results

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for hiccups

Essential facts and insights about Hiccups

The ICD-10 code for hiccups is R06.6, used for persistent or idiopathic hiccups.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hiccups

Hiccough
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours without identifiable cause

Applicable To

  • Chronic hiccup
  • Persistent hiccup

Excludes

  • Psychogenic hiccough (F45.8)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Duration >48 hours
  • No response to conservative measures

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if underlying cause is not identified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies duration and any failed interventions.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for antineoplastic chemotherapy

Z51.11
Use when hiccups occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.

Differential Codes

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

Psychogenic hiccough

F45.8
Use when hiccups are due to psychological factors.

Hiccough

R06.6
Use when hiccups are not psychogenic.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hiccups to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R06.6.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate information for treatment planning., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Risk of claim denials due to insufficient documentation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed history and examination findings are documented., Include specific duration and treatment responses.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use F45.8 for hiccups with psychological causes.

Impact

Using R06.6 instead of F45.8 for psychogenic hiccups.

Mitigation Strategy

Review psychological evaluations and ensure correct code selection.

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 Hiccups, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Hiccups

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

Neurology evaluation for persistent hiccups

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Diagnostic findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: Persistent hiccups for 72 hours. History: Onset after chemotherapy. Assessment: Hiccups secondary to chemotherapy. Plan: Adjust chemotherapy regimen.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hiccups.
Good Documentation Example
Patient presents with persistent hiccups lasting 72 hours, unresponsive to conservative measures. MRI shows no brainstem lesions.
Explanation
The good example provides duration, response to treatment, and diagnostic findings.

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

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