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ICD-10 Coding for Shortness of Breath with Exertion(R06.09)

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

Also known as:

Exertional DyspneaDOEdyspnea on exertion

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Shortness of Breath with Exertion

R06.00-R06.09Primary Range

Dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities

This range includes codes for various types of dyspnea, with R06.09 specifically for exertional dyspnea.

Heart failure

Heart failure can cause exertional dyspnea, and these codes should be used as primary when CHF is the underlying cause.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD can lead to exertional dyspnea, and these codes should be primary when COPD is the cause.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for SOB with exertion

Essential facts and insights about Shortness of Breath with Exertion

The ICD-10 code for shortness of breath with exertion is R06.09.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for sob with exertion

Other forms of dyspnea
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • SOB occurs specifically with exertion

coding Criteria

  • No definitive underlying condition identified

Applicable To

  • Exertional dyspnea

Excludes

  • Dyspnea due to known cardiac or pulmonary conditions

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented SOB linked to exertion
  • Exclusion of other primary causes

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as R06.02 when exertion is specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies exertion-related activities.

Ancillary Codes

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

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use as primary when CHF is the cause of exertional dyspnea.

COPD, unspecified

J44.9
Use as primary when COPD is the cause of exertional dyspnea.

Differential Codes

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

Shortness of breath

R06.02
Use R06.02 when dyspnea is not linked to exertion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Shortness of Breath with Exertion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code R06.09.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies exertion and use R06.09.

Impact

Lack of specific exertion details in patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation audits and staff training.

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 Shortness of Breath with Exertion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Shortness of Breath with Exertion

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

Exertional Dyspnea with CHF

Specialty: Cardiology

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration of symptoms
  • Specific exertion activities causing SOB
  • Associated symptoms (e.g., orthopnea)
  • Diagnostic tests (e.g., BNP, ECHO)

Example Documentation

Patient experiences SOB after walking 20 feet, with elevated BNP and ECHO showing EF 35%.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has SOB.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports SOB after walking 20 feet, BNP 850 pg/mL, EF 35%.
Explanation
The good example specifies exertion and includes diagnostic details.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Shortness of Breath with Exertion? Ask your questions below.

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