ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for acute respiratory distress
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Distress › acute respiratory”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding acute respiratory distress
The ICD-10-CM code for acute respiratory distress is R06.03 (Acute respiratory distress). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R06.03.
Within R06.0 (dyspnea), R06.03 is specifically for acute respiratory distress. Related codes cover unspecified (R06.00), Orthopnea (R06.01), Shortness of breath (R06.02) 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.
More specific acute respiratory distress codes (official index)
- syndrome (adult) (child) J80 — Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Common questions about acute respiratory distress ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for acute respiratory distress?
- R06.03 — Acute respiratory distress. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: J80.
What is the ICD-10 code for syndrome acute respiratory distress?
- J80 — Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Is R06.03 billable?
- Yes. R06.03 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R06.03 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R06.03 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R06.03 a CC or MCC?
- No. R06.03 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.