ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for cough
Confirmed by the official ICD-10-CM index entry “cough (affected) (epidemic) (nervous)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding cough
The ICD-10-CM code for cough is R05.9 (Cough, unspecified). The official index lists 5 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R05.9.
Within R05, choose R05.9 (unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: acute cough (R05.1), subacute cough (R05.2), chronic cough (R05.3), syncope (R05.4) and other specified cough (R05.8).
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.
Related Cough codes
Common questions about cough ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for cough?
- R05.9 — Cough, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: R05.1, R05.2, R05.3, R05.4 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for acute cough?
- R05.1 — Acute cough.
What is the ICD-10 code for subacute cough?
- R05.2 — Subacute cough.
What is the ICD-10 code for chronic cough?
- R05.3 — Chronic cough.
What is the ICD-10 code for cough syncope?
- R05.4 — Cough syncope.
What is the ICD-10 code for other specified cough?
- R05.8 — Other specified cough.
Is R05.9 billable?
- Yes. R05.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R05.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R05.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R05.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. R05.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.