ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for breath short
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Short, shortening, shortness › breath”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding breath short
The ICD-10-CM code for breath short is R06.02 (Shortness of breath).
Within R06.0 (dyspnea), R06.02 is specifically for Shortness of breath. Related codes cover unspecified (R06.00), Orthopnea (R06.01), acute respiratory distress (R06.03) and other forms of dyspnea (R06.09).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 204 (Respiratory Signs and Symptoms, relative weight 0.821), in MDC 04 (Diseases and Disorders of the Respiratory System), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about breath short ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for breath short?
- R06.02 — Shortness of breath.
Is R06.02 billable?
- Yes. R06.02 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R06.02 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R06.02 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R06.02 a CC or MCC?
- No. R06.02 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.