ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for Shortness of breath
Confirmed by the official ICD-10-CM index entry “breath › shortness”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding Shortness of breath
The ICD-10-CM code for Shortness of breath is R06.02 (Shortness of breath). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R06.02.
It is also searched as SOB, dyspnea.
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.
Related Shortness of breath codes
Common questions about Shortness of breath ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for Shortness of breath?
- R06.02 — Shortness of breath. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: R06.00, R06.01, R06.03, R06.09.
What is the ICD-10 code for dyspnea, unspecified?
- R06.00 — Dyspnea, unspecified.
What is the ICD-10 code for orthopnea?
- R06.01 — Orthopnea.
What is the ICD-10 code for acute respiratory distress?
- R06.03 — Acute respiratory distress.
What is the ICD-10 code for other forms of dyspnea?
- R06.09 — Other forms of dyspnea.
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.