Billable Medical Code for Respiratory distress syndrome in newborn
Diagnosis Code for Reimbursement Claim: ICD-9-CM 769
Code will be replaced by October 2015 and relabeled as ICD-10-CM 769.
The Short Description Is: Respiratory distress syn.
Known As
Respiratory distress is also known as respiratory distress syndrome in neonate and respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. This excludes transient tachypnea of newborn (770.6). This applies to cardiorespiratory distress syndrome of newborn, hyaline membrane disease (pulmonary), idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome [IRDS or RDS] of newborn, and pulmonary hypoperfusion syndrome.
Respiratory Distress Definition and Symptoms
Respiratory distress is a term meaning difficulty in breathing and the psychological effect that is associated. It is characterized by not having enough of the surface coating in the inner surface of the lungs which causes the lungs to expand and contract improperly, causing the difficulty in breathing. Symptoms include grunting sounds, flaring of the nostrils, rapid breathing, labored breathing, shortness of breath, and a sharp pulling in of the chest between the ribs with each breath.