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ICD-10 Coding for Exertional Dyspnea(R06.09)

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

Also known as:

Dyspnea on ExertionExertional Breathlessness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Exertional Dyspnea

R06.00-R06.9Primary Range

Dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities

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

Key Information: ICD-10 code for exertional dyspnea

Essential facts and insights about Exertional Dyspnea

The ICD-10 code for exertional dyspnea is R06.09, used when dyspnea is triggered by exertion.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for exertional dyspnea

Other forms of dyspnea
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient experiences dyspnea specifically during physical activity.

coding Criteria

  • Ensure the underlying condition is coded first.

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific exertion triggers and relief by rest.

Applicable To

  • Dyspnea on exertion
  • Exertional breathlessness

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Patient reports dyspnea specifically triggered by exertion
  • Documented improvement with rest
  • Objective findings such as decreased oxygen saturation during exertion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as R06.02 when exertion is specified
  • Failure to document the specific activity causing dyspnea

Coding Notes

  • Always document the specific activity causing dyspnea and the underlying condition.

Ancillary Codes

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

COPD with acute exacerbation

J44.1
Use when exertional dyspnea is due to COPD exacerbation.

Heart failure, unspecified

I50.9
Use when exertional dyspnea is due to heart failure.

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 specifically linked to exertion.

Acute respiratory distress

R06.03
Use R06.03 for sudden onset dyspnea not related to exertion.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims or incorrect reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for specific exertion details., Educate providers on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data affecting patient care.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies exertion as the trigger for dyspnea.

Impact

Using R06.02 instead of R06.09 when exertion is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits and provider education on correct code usage.

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

Documentation Templates for Exertional Dyspnea

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

Primary Care Evaluation

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chief Complaint
  • History of Present Illness
  • Physical Exam
  • Assessment and Plan

Example Documentation

Patient reports dyspnea after walking 100 meters, resolves with 5 minutes rest. O2 sat drops to 88% on exertion.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has shortness of breath.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports dyspnea after 2 minutes of walking, rated 6/10 on Borg scale, with oxygen saturation dropping to 88% on exertion.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the exertion trigger and objective findings.

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

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