ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for respiratory paralysis
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Paralysis, paralytic (complete) (incomplete) › respiratory (muscle) (system) (tract)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding respiratory paralysis
The ICD-10-CM code for respiratory paralysis is R06.81 (Apnea, not elsewhere classified). The official index lists 3 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 respiratory paralysis codes (official index)
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for R06.81)
Common questions about respiratory paralysis ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for respiratory paralysis?
- R06.81 — Apnea, not elsewhere classified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: G93.89, P28.89, P28.89.
What is the ICD-10 code for center nec respiratory paralysis?
- G93.89 — Other specified disorders of brain.
What is the ICD-10 code for congenital respiratory paralysis?
- P28.89 — Other specified respiratory conditions of newborn.
What is the ICD-10 code for newborn respiratory paralysis?
- P28.89 — Other specified respiratory conditions of newborn.
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.