R06: ICD10 Code for Abnormalities of breathing
R06 is the ICD10 code used for documenting Abnormalities of breathing involving circulatory and respiratory symptoms.

R06 refers to Abnormalities of breathing, covering various clinical signs related to abnormal heart rhythms, blood pressure readings, respiratory bleeding, coughing, breathing issues, chest pain, and other cardiopulmonary symptoms that may not yet have a definitive diagnosis.
Symptoms
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations – Common in abnormalities of heart beat (R00)
- Audible heart murmurs – Suggestive of valve issues (R01)
- High or low blood pressure without clear cause – R03
- Bleeding from nose or mouth – Indicative of respiratory hemorrhage (R04)
- Persistent or acute cough – R05
- Shortness of breath or wheezing – R06
- Chest tightness or throat pain – R07
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiograms (ECG), imaging (e.g., X-rays, echocardiograms), blood tests, and sometimes endoscopic examination for respiratory bleeding sources.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code R06 is used for documenting patient complaints, initial findings during medical examinations, billing for symptomatic care, and supporting further diagnostic testing in the circulatory or respiratory domains.
Related Codes
- R00 – Abnormalities of heart beat
- R01 – Cardiac murmurs and other cardiac sounds
- R03 – Abnormal blood-pressure reading, without diagnosis
- R04 – Hemorrhage from respiratory passages
- R05 – Cough
- R07 – Pain in throat and chest
- R09 – Other symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory system
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code R06?
A: It is used for recording Abnormalities of breathing, including abnormal heart sounds, bleeding, chest pain, or breathing issues without a confirmed disease yet.
Q2: Does an abnormal heartbeat mean heart disease?
A: Not always; it could be benign or associated with anxiety, but evaluation is important to rule out serious conditions.
Q3: When is coughing considered serious?
A: A persistent, bloody, or worsening cough may indicate a serious condition and should be medically evaluated.
Q4: Are abnormal blood pressure readings always hypertension?
A: No, single abnormal readings can result from stress, medications, or temporary factors.
Q5: What does chest pain signify?
A: It can range from musculoskeletal strain to cardiac emergencies, so assessment is crucial.
Conclusion
ICD10 code R06 ensures proper documentation of Abnormalities of breathing, allowing healthcare providers to monitor symptoms, initiate diagnostic workups, and deliver timely care for underlying circulatory or respiratory conditions.

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