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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for apnea

R06.81

Apnea, not elsewhere classified

✓ Billable / specific

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Apnea, apneic (of) (spells)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding apnea

The ICD-10-CM code for apnea is R06.81 (Apnea, not elsewhere classified). The official index lists 19 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R06.81.

Within R06.8 (other abnormalities of breathing), R06.81 is specifically for apnea, not elsewhere classified. Related codes cover tachypnea, not elsewhere classified (R06.82), Snoring (R06.83) and other abnormalities of breathing (R06.89).

Don't report R06.81 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: apnea (of) newborn (P28.4-), sleep apnea (G47.3-) and sleep apnea of newborn (primary) (P28.3-).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

More specific apnea codes (official index)

  • newborn P28.40 — Unspecified apnea of newborn
  • central P28.41 — Central neonatal apnea of newborn
  • mixed P28.43 — Mixed neonatal apnea of newborn
  • obstructive P28.42 — Obstructive apnea of newborn
  • sleep
  • primary P28.30 — Primary sleep apnea of newborn, unspecified
  • central P28.31 — Primary central sleep apnea of newborn
  • mixed P28.33 — Primary mixed sleep apnea of newborn
  • obstructive P28.32 — Primary obstructive sleep apnea of newborn
  • specified NEC P28.39 — Other primary sleep apnea of newborn
  • specified NEC P28.49 — Other apnea of newborn
  • prematurity P28.49 — Other apnea of newborn
  • sleep G47.30 — Sleep apnea, unspecified
  • central (primary) G47.31 — Primary central sleep apnea
  • idiopathic G47.31 — Primary central sleep apnea
  • in conditions classified elsewhere G47.37 — Central sleep apnea in conditions classified elsewhere
  • obstructive (adult) (pediatric) G47.33 — Obstructive sleep apnea (adult) (pediatric)
  • hypopnea G47.33 — Obstructive sleep apnea (adult) (pediatric)
  • primary central G47.31 — Primary central sleep apnea
  • specified NEC G47.39 — Other sleep apnea

Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for R06.81)

Common questions about apnea ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for apnea?

R06.81 — Apnea, not elsewhere classified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: P28.40, P28.41, P28.43, P28.42 and others below.

What is the ICD-10 code for newborn apnea?

P28.40 — Unspecified apnea of newborn.

What is the ICD-10 code for prematurity apnea?

P28.49 — Other apnea of newborn.

What is the ICD-10 code for sleep apnea?

G47.30 — Sleep apnea, unspecified.

Is R06.81 billable?

Yes. R06.81 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Can R06.81 be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R06.81 as a principal diagnosis.

Is R06.81 a CC or MCC?

No. R06.81 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.